On the morning of Friday the 17th of January 2014, a UJ student was injured during a robbery in Ripley Street in Auckland Park when he was approached by three men who robbed him of his cellular phone. The student has received medical attention and is now recuperating. The Acting Executive Director of Student Affairs, Mr Godfrey Helani, has been in contact with both the parents and the student concerned in order to extend to them the support of the University.
We understand that there are times when students have little choice but must walk from one point to another within and between campuses and residences. Indeed, for the vast majority of students in the vast majority of instances, walking in the streets does not lead to crime. However, the few incidents that do occur are cause enough for concern, as the safety of all students is of paramount importance.
We therefore urge all our students to take the following safety precautions:
- After hours, in the evening or at night, choose carefully when and how you venture into the streets outside your campus or residence. Rather postpone venturing out into the streets at night until the next day if it is not urgent. Ask for advice and/or assistance from Protection Services before venturing out
- Try to walk with one or more fellow students
- Ensure that someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return before leaving
- Avoid displaying mobile phones, laptops, tablets and jewelry when walking in the streets at night
- When in an emergency, if you notice anything sinister, or after a robbery, you are urged to contact the following numbers immediately, please save them:
- Auckland Park, Bunting Road Campus – 011 559 1312
- Auckland Park, Kingsway Campus – 011 559 2555
- Doornfontein Campus – 011 559 6450
- Soweto Campus – 011 559 5555
For non-emergency but serious matters affecting the studies of students, UJ students are encouraged to call the24-Hour Crisis Line on 0800 777 000. The Crisis Line is a free service by UJ’s Centre for Psychological Services and Career Development (PsyCaD) were trained crisis line professionals are on stand-by to assist students.
