The South African Students Congress has handed over a list of demands to the Nelson Mandela University management, following Monday night's violent attack of two students at the university's Second Avenue Campus.
A 25-year-old student was raped and another stabbed - allegedly with scissors - inside the campus computer laboratory.
Sasco South Campus Branch Chair, Yandisa Jubase, detailed the students' grievances, which included extra security and the finalisation of insourcing processes, at a meeting held at the institution on Tuesday.
Jubase said what students were asking was the bare minimum - considering rape statistics in South Africa.
"If each student could have one panic button, then we must do that. We all know the crime rate - especially rape - in South Africa,' Jubase said.
She added that a university, which is a microcosm of society, must reflect such, ensure students safety and equipt them with ways of defending themselves.
Jubase said she felt that management was nonchalant with its response.
She said that as the Nelson Mandela University student leadership will ensure that practical solutions are given to students.
Meanwhile, Nelson Mandela University's head of Security, Derek Huebsch, said two investigations had been launched into the violent attack of the two students.
Addressing students at the mass meeting following the protest, Huebsch, said the department's main focus was the police investigation.
"There are two investigations currently running, the one that we are concentrating on is the police investigation. I'm getting feedback from them as I'm standing here by way of cell phone. Not only are they able to identify by way the image captured but also they were able to obtain further evidence on the crime scene. The CSI group from SAPS were there this morning and there are still currently busy there. It seems that on that side we have a positive route in terms of being able to catch up with whoever the culprit is," he said.
Port Elizabeth police are still searching for the suspect.
