A process of installing streets cameras to help keep students safe in the streets of Westdene has begun.
The Westdene Community Patrol said this is the University of Johannesburg’s initiative, aimed at reducing students from becoming victims of muggings and robberies.
Frikkie Botes of the Westene Joburg Crow said, “This will help keep the students safe because we have had a number of incidences, where students were attacked.”
He said the robberies around the area are committed during the day when students walk to the university and in the evening.
“Sometimes the students are robbed in our presence, where we are forced to chase after the criminals. At times we are able to catch them, sometimes not. So with the cameras we will be able to identify and make sure their images go viral on Facebook, Twitter and to hand the footages to the police,” said Botes.
He said for the past years, they relied on Facebook only for information to identify culprits and it also helped.
“We used to post their identity kits, description of their clothes, but now with the cameras it will make our job easier,” he said.
Sophiatown Police spokesperson Warrant Officer TJ de Bruin said police are happy that the university is doing something to combat crime.
He said CCTV footage will be used to catch the criminals.
“Westdene is one of our crime-ridden areas. We are happy to know that our community structures, institutions like the university are with us on this crime battle we are fighting every day,” said De Bruin.
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