TUT students robbed regularly
“It’s individuals driving around in cars preying on vulnerable people.”
Robberies of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) students seem to be ongoing for students attending at the main campus.
According to Thesigan Pillay, community policing forum member, not only the students are robbed in the area around the university but also individuals from Daspoort.
Pillay believes a syndicate is operating in this area.
“It’s individuals driving around in cars preying on vulnerable people. They take advantage when they see you’re distracted,” he said.
According to him police intervention is needed.
“Police visibility in the morning and afternoon is something that needs to be worked on.”
Items that are primarily targeted are electroninc devices.
“Cellphones and laptops are their first choice and other valuables are settled for. Cellphones are usually stolen during muggings in the streets of Philip Nell Park,” said Robert Mabusela who lives in this area.
“A trend that we’ve noticed is that criminals usually target off-peak periods, when they know most of the residents are at work. This is when houses are broken into. Those who are walking in the streets are robbed because it’s usually quiet and criminals have an opportunity to quickly snatch cell phones and other valuables,” he added.
Mabusela believes they target students who walk alone. He says they usually wait for students to leave their communes before breaking in.
“On some occasions criminals would find that some students may still be inside the commune because timetables differ per student. It’s advisable for students to be vigilant and to use busy routes to and from the TUT Campus because there will be more people using the same route,” said Mabusela.
Police and Pillay shared a few tips on how to stay safe:
– Students must be alert in terms of their surroundings and environment at all times.
– Avoid carrying valuable items with you.
– Don’t walk in isolated areas.
– Don’t walk around with your cellphone in hand.
– Report crime as soon as possible.
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