Students crime targets in Soshanguve
Students are allegedly being robbed, mugged and raped in Soshanguve Block L.
Gift Mhlongo
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) students living off campus in Soshanguve Block L complain that they had become the targets of criminals.
Students said there were false prophets claiming to have the power to help students achieve distinctions if allowed into their rooms. The ‘prophets’ then use this opportunity to rob students of their belongings.
Criminals also broke into their rooms while they were in class. Sometimes students even got mugged.
“As we walked to the nearest fish and chips shop, two men approached us and pointed guns at us,” said Tshwane University of Technology student, Nkosinathi Mthimkulu.
“I tried to defend myself, but they slapped me and robbed us of five phones. Luckily nobody was hurt.”
Kholofelo Rashokeng, a resident of Soshanguve Block L, said the students were the ones being targeted, adding he had witnessed several crimes of this nature.
“Students are the most targeted people in the community by criminals because you can spot them from a distance that they are not familiar with the area,” said Rashokeng.
“We hardly hear people complain about crime during school holidays, especially the festive season, because students are back at home,” he said.
Solly Mchana, a member of Soshanguve CPF, said efforts to fight crime in the community were continuing.
Constable Keneilwe Mokwalo of Soshanguve police said police were aware of the crimes against students.
“There is a patrol team doing its best to fight crime and we will introduce more patrol teams to work day and night shifts around Soshanguve. We advise students to report incidents.”
Mokwalo said a senior police officer was scheduled to visit the Soshanguve campus soon for a meeting about the crime complaints by students.
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