Univen working on improving security at on and off-campus residences
Three students were attacked by four suspects who broke into their rooms outside the university premises in Thohoyandou P West. Two of the students are said to have been gang raped.
LIMPOPO – The University of Venda’s (Univen) Director of Communications and Marketing, Dr Takalani Dzaga, in a statement, said the university condemns the attack on three students in the strongest possible terms, especially since it is Women’s Month. “Arrangements are underway to provide counselling to the victims,” said Dr Dzaga.
Univen students have expressed their anger and disappointment at the university management for failing to fulfil promises they said were made over a year ago, to provide safety for all students who reside in non-accredited off-campus residences. In the early hours last Tuesday, thieves broke into an off-campus residence, and raped and robbed students of their belongings.
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According to the Provincial Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo it was reported that four suspects, one of whom was armed, broke into the rooms of three students outside the university premises in Thohoyandou P West at about 04:00. Here, they robbed a 30-year-old male student of his money and a cellphone before proceeding to the other rooms, where they robbed two female students of their cellphones and a laptop. The suspects thereafter dragged the two female victims, both aged 23, to a nearby bush where they are said to have gang-raped them.
Dzaga added that the university is working hard to improve security at both on and off-campus non-accredited residences. “We appeal to all students who stay at off-campus non-accredited residences to consider taking up rooms that are still available at both on and off-campus university-accredited residences.”
The university’s SRC Secretary-General, Yanda Mxaku said they were saddened at the incident and angry at the university management for their reluctance to protect especially female students who reside off-campus. He claimed that there are still available rooms in campus student residence but that students have to pay R3 000 upfront for these. He said the SRC had met with the victims and they plan on meeting with the university management to see if a special exam can be arranged for the victims, who were in the midst of an exam when the incident occurred. The police in Thohoyandou launched a manhunt for the suspects and cases of house robbery, and two counts of rape have been opened. While investigations are continuing, the police request anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Detective Sergeant Takalani Mulaudzi at 082 487 6319 or Crime Stop number 086 001 0111.
