University of Fort Hare vice-chancellor Dr Mvuyo Tom recently issued a stern warning to the institution's male students to desist from sexually harassing their female counterparts.

Responding to questions following a recently reported incident, Tom said any student found to be involved in any acts of that nature would face disciplinary processes together with criminal charges.

"Zero tolerance is the watch word and the clarion call. Women or the girl child should not be seen as sexual objects that should be harassed at the slightest provocation. They too have a right to the freedom of movement that a university is known for," he said.

Tom said the university had formed a task team to ensure proper investigations and prosecution of the cases both internally and in the criminal justice system were carried out.

"Whenever a case is reported, disciplinary proceedings are initiated according to policy. However, there are also preventative measures taken by raising the level of consciousness among students about gender-based violence. This is also taken up in HIV/Aids awareness campaigns and alcohol-drugs awareness measures," he said.

In a recent incident reported to the university, two male students allegedly took turns watching a female student taking a bath at one of the university residences.

Tom said he had received a report about the incident and it was under investigation.

East London students' representative council (SRC) leader Sonwabiso Mamkeli said harsh action would be taken against perpetrators. "The student reported the incident and immediately we alerted the management," he said.

In a strongly worded Facebook post, Mamkeli sent out a warning to fellow students.

"The degrading humiliation and loss of dignity that our fellow students suffer must not be entertained. We as the SRC condemn these behaviours by these perpetrators and serious actions will be taken.

"It has come to our attention as the SRC that these tendencies are continuing and this time harsh consequences will follow and strict measures within our residences be taken."

Mamkeli said sexual violence and harassment in residences had gone "too far". "Woman cannot be objects of abuse by men [who] use alcohol as defence."

The post drew a mixed response from students, with some making jokes, while others blamed it on the cold weather.

Some even joked about rape until one student wrote: "I seriously can't believe that there are still people who make jokes about rape in 2016 . it saddens to actually see women making fun of such when they are not even safe ."

Mamkeli said there was a high probability that many cases went unreported. "We encourage the victims of sexual violence to come forward."