Student security remains a priority in Glenwood

CRIME-FIGHTING measures have yielded positive results in Manor Gardens where students were targeted by criminals and opportunists. This is according to Janus Horn, deputy chairperson for Mayville Community Policing Forum (CPF) Sector 1.

“We have put over 80 cameras up all over Manor Gardens – including number plate recognition cameras. We have cameras at every single entry and exit point of the area. Crime rates have dropped dramatically – about 70 percent. Over the past six months, there have been, on average, 12–18 cases of crime reported per month. This is down from 70–100 cases per month previously,” said Horn.

He added that the reduction in crime was achieved through a partnership between SAPS, CPF and private stakeholders, including security companies.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Howard College is a large campus, which sprawls from the corner of Lamont and Mazisi Kunene roads to Rick Turner Road, with several entrance gates. Student housing is spread around the campus and into the Manor Gardens and Glenwood area. Crime-prevention education has also contributed to reduced crime rates as students are often targeted when commuting to and from the university on foot.

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“Each student is issued with a laptop and cellphone for studies – they are targeted. They often get robbed on the roads. We have advised them not to walk with visible laptops or cellphones,” said Horn.

He added that student homes are also being targeted.

“A lot of the time, when students host a party on a Saturday, they will be robbed on Sunday – it’s likely that a guest comes to the party and sees the TV or other valuables in the house,” said Horn.

Spokesperson for Umbilo SAPS Captain Phumzile Makaula confirmed that students have been targeted in the area, with pedestrian robberies being the most prevalent crime. Makaula added that crime rates have dropped in the last month.

Safety tips for students

Commenting on the issue, UKZN executive director: corporate relations, Normah Zondo, said student safety is a high priority for the university.

“Crime is a reality that all South Africans face, and the university is not immune to it. University management is making every effort to create a safe and secure environment for all its students and staff. Limited resources preclude us from securing areas that are outside of our campuses. The university has boosted the capability of Risk Management Services (RMS) by securing the services of a private security company,” she said.

Zondo listed several safety measures currently in place. These include a strong link between the RMS, SAPS and Metro Police; increased CCTV monitoring on campus; strict access control at entrances and exits of gates and buildings, and frequent security patrols, especially in areas identified as crime hotspots.

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“The university’s Risk Management Services conduct safety-awareness campaigns during student orientation and again in the second semester. Security messages are posted on the university’s notice system,” said Zondo.

Zondo shared the following safety tips. Students are advised to:

– Be vigilant of your personal belongings and your surroundings;
– always walk in groups when venturing off campus;
– ensure that valuables like cellphones and laptops are not visible on your person.

“Students are encouraged to report security concerns to the Risk Management Services located on our five campuses,” Zondo added.

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