Fort Hare condemns assault on female student after video of attack goes viral

The University of Fort Hare has condemned the assault of a female student by a male student, after a video of the attack went viral.

"The university condemns the assault in the strongest terms and is further investigating the incident, with the aim of taking decisive disciplinary action. The university has offered the affected student counselling and all the support at its disposal," university spokesperson Khotso Moabi said on Monday.

According to the university, the incident occurred on Saturday.In two other videos - which also went viral - a large group of mainly women paraded the male student through the university and reprimanded him for his alleged behaviour in public.

Moabi said the university took action when they became aware of the incident.

"Immediately, our protection services went into gear to investigate and apprehend the accused with the assistance of the South African Police Services."

Moabi said the university management was "very concerned at the rate at which incidents of this nature continue to plague us, more especially during the Women's Month".

"We wish to assure all concerned that we will do all in our power to militate against such at the university for the betterment of our society and our students."

Colonel Sibongile Soci said the police were aware of the video, adding that gender-based violence was seen in a "very serious light".