A senior Wits University professor has been fired after the institution’s Gender Equity Office found him guilty of sexual harassment.

The professor had been on leave since September 2016 while he was being investigated, after three of his junior female colleagues laid a complaint against him.

They colleagues had accused him of promising to help advance their studies and careers, in exchange for sexual favours.

The university’s Gender Equity Office handed over its report to management on Friday.

Wits Vice Chancellor Adam Habib says the university will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment.

“Disciplinary hearing found the individual guilty last week, and they pronounced a sentence of dismissal. As a result and as per our policies I have informed the individual that he is to be dismissed forthwith.

This is another example where an investigation has been undertaken and the university is boldly dealing with gender-based harm.”