On 13 September 2023, the University of Pretoria confirmed the passing of one of its students in Hatfield, close to the Tuksdorp residence. This has left many students feeling uneasy about campus safety.
It has been reported that 23-year-old Thapelo Men was shot and left for dead after being robbed of his belongings.
In surveillance camera footage, Men is seen being approached, ambushed, and shot in Grosvenor Street in Hatfield, while walking to one of the University of Pretoria (UP) residences.
The university has since released a statement confirming the passing of the B.Com Honours student close to Tuksdorp residence and that the suspect has been arrested.
Some students have shared that they initially thought nothing of the gunshot, however, in an interview, one of them who had walked outside to see the body of the deceased, said:
They could improve in response because the medical unit took some time to get here but they did explain that they were waiting on the police’s go ahead.
Two males were reportedly detained and charged with murder, armed robbery, and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition before the Pretoria Magistrates Court.
However, since this occurrence, there have been instances of muggings in the Hatfield region, raising questions about safety.
Although the UP student body recognizes the university’s security guidelines and precautions, some of the students have complained that the security services are not reliable.
The institution claims that between the hours of 6 PM and 6 AM, a green path has been implemented, where security offices are available to accompany both staff members and students to and from the university.
According to reports, the university also has a nearby metro police station that is staffed by members and students from the university between 6 pm and 6 am.
Stellenbosch University had also urged students to call emergency numbers should they feel that their safety is being compromised, following an incident of rape that took place at one of its student residences.
