The fatal stabbing of 19-year-old first-year BSc student Jesse Mitchell, just outside the Stellenbosch University campus, occurred only two weeks after the kidnapping of a 20-year-old student who was forced to withdraw money from their bank account.
Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for learning and teaching at Stellenbosch University, said Mitchell's death was a huge loss for the university and the dead student's family.
The loss of a precious young life, especially under such tragic circumstances, always comes as a great shock to the University community. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and classmates at this extremely difficult moment of loss
These instances of extreme violence have put a spotlight on safety issues within the university precinct and surrounding areas, where both students and parents are expressing growing fears.
Stellenbosch University Safety Measures
Stellenbosch University confirmed that these crimes took place off-campus. However, the university acknowledges safety concerns for students.
The university has a dedicated page to student safety on their website. The page provides students with safety information as well as precautionary measures students can take to be more safe.
Over 60 in-house security staff and 200 specialist contract personnel patrol the campus, offering services such as the "Walk-With" programme.
This initiative allows students to request security escorts via WhatsApp during evening hours. Additionally, during exams, the "Walk-Together-Express" service provides grouped escorts from 7 p.m. onwards.
A campus shuttle service operates daily from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., transporting students safely within a 6-kilometre radius. For daytime needs, a shuttle runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both services require advance booking.
Stellenbosch University Student Advice
In a recent YouTube video, YouTuber and Stellenbosch University student Lisa Mbopa or LizzyM highlighted the alarming situation, urging fellow students to exercise caution.
We live in South Africa, meaning that safety and crime rates are sky-high. Don't ever let your guard down.
Lisa highlights , including students being targeted while walking alone at night and robberies occurring on campus.
Lisa emphasised the need for increased vigilance, especially for female students.
Being a female in South Africa is also not an easy thing.
The university has been criticised for its perceived lack of action in addressing these issues. Students have called for increased security measures, better lighting on campus, and improved communication regarding safety alerts.
Lisa added that campus security is not as stringent and has heard many stories where students were robbed on campus.
Campus security is not that tight, It's an open campus, guys. Homeless people walk on campus. It's open like you can get robbed there. Nothing can happen to you.
Stellenbosch Campus Safety Contacts
- 24-hour EMERGENCY number: 021 808 2333
- Toll-free number: 0800 02 58 27
- WhatsApp Pedestrian Escort: 082 808 2333
- General enquiries: 021 808 4202
