A first-year student at Stellenbosch University (SU), was mugged near a female residence at approximately 23:48 on 22 April. The incident was confirmed by Martin Viljoen, the spokesperson for SU.
The student resides in SU’s Monica residence. She had been walking back to her residence from De Lapa when she was mugged approximately 10 metres from the main entrance to the residence. This was according to the victim, who requested anonymity.
A resident at Stellenbosch University’s Monica residence was mugged 10 metres from the residence entrance, said the victim who requested anonymity. “Monica had a session on Sunday night where students could raise their concerns about safety and how they feel after the incident,” said Andri Malan, Monica’s primaria.“[It] scared us a lot, because it was very close to home.” PHOTO: Talia Kincaid
The incident
The victim sustained minor injuries and her bag was stolen, she said.
She was walking alone along Victoria Street when she realised she was being followed, stated the victim.
“I realised that there was a man who started walking opposite me, […] I saw that another man had started following behind me,” explained the victim. She tried to turn around but “they started chasing after me”, she said.
One of the perpetrators grabbed a hold of her bag and threw her onto the concrete walkway when she attempted to escape, she said.
“My chin is badly bruised and swollen [and] my left hand, hip and leg are badly bruised,” said the victim.
Campus Security officers are able to accompany students to areas which are on the border of campus to ensure that they reach their residence safely, said Martin Viljoen, spokesperson for Stellenbosch University. “Students are encouraged to send a request via WhatsApp to 082 808 2333,” said Viljoen. PHOTO: Talia Kincaid
A quick response
Monica’s residents heard the commotion from inside and contacted Campus Security, said Andri Malan, Monica’s primaria.
Following this, “the incident was reported to the police immediately”, said the victim.
“It was quite traumatic – even for the onlookers,” said Malan. After the victim was taken indoors, her parents were called, said Malan.
Campus Security was able to attend to the incident, obtain information and conduct a search for the suspect, said Viljoen.
However, Campus Security “was unfortunately not able to find any person in the vicinity matching the description provided by the victim”, said Viljoen.
Prioritising safety
SU students are encouraged to make use of the walk-with service that is available every evening from 18:00, said Viljoen. Campus Security officers are able to accompany students to areas which are on the border of campus to ensure that they reach their residence safely, explained Viljoen.
“An investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) is currently underway,” said Viljoen.
Campus Security urges “students, staff and the public to remain watchful and to be vigilant and active partners in campus safety”, said Martin Viljoen, spokesperson for Stellenbosch University. INFOGRAPHIC: Talia Kincaid