Port Elizabeth - Before two Nelson Mandela University students were raped and stabbed, one of the terrified women managed to post desperate message asking for help on Facebook, it has emerged.
The horrific attack took place at the university's Second Avenue Campus Campus on Monday night. A 25-year-old student and her friend were studying in the computer labs when they were attacked.
One of them posted a desperate message on Facebook saying: "an someone please csend help we are beinf rapoed 2nd avenue campus fashjoom".
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said the attacker threatened the students with a pair of scissors and robbed them of their cellphones and wallets. He raped one of the students and stabbed the other with the scissors.
The terrified women were forced to take a computer and monitor, which they had to carry until they were outside the building. The attacker ordered the women to pass the loot to him before he jumped the gate and fled, police said.
NMU spokesperson, Zandile Mbabela, On Tuesday said both women received medical attention and counseling.
"The matter is under police investigation. The university does not take these matters lightly and trust that the perpetrator will be brought to book," said Mbabela.
By mid morning on Tuesday, a large number of concerned students gathered at the university.
Current situation at NMU South.. students calling for response by management on security issues.. #NMUShutdown #NMURape #NMU pic.twitter.com/Fs6lqoNmUA
— Casey (@CazRoche) October 3, 2017
Students are being updated on the current situation #NMU #NMUShutdown #NMURape pic.twitter.com/dsF47rkGrP
— Casey (@CazRoche) October 3, 2017