The safety of students sometimes takes a backseat at some or most universities in South Africa. The poor health and safety structures govern most universities. The Security services and SAPS are characterised by a poor response rate towards students’ safety complaints from internal security divisions and the SAPS. Many internal security agencies inside the universities are poorly funded, poorly trained, and have weak management systems. This creates open and free spaces for the culture of campus crime to emerge, violence, harassment, rape culture, and victimisation. University students are neglected individuals. Campus crimes might not be regarded as a higher crime priority than the existing high level of crime in the communities. Students are just left exposed and vulnerable.
The characteristics as mentioned earlier just leave or make universities gender-based violence hotspots. Crime, harassment and femicide are just some serious characteristics of campus culture. Students must relive their crime experiences in front of the SAPS and campus officials. Many students feel ignored or re-traumatised by how crime cases are reported and handled.
The SAPS is failing to handle crimes that emanate from local communities and enter universities. These include rape, theft, robbery, GBV cases, hijacks and assaults around the campus and its surroundings. A comprehensive strategy for how the SAPS manages the national campus culture needs to be assessed, designed and implemented. Preventative crime strategies are worthwhile than waiting for the crime to happen. The improved digital surveillance infrastructure, visibility policing and proper lighting around these communities will enhance the fight against crime. The violent or criminal campus culture may increase the levels of anxiety and trauma and result in poor academic results for victims of crime and bystanders. The impact of violent campuses can be taken for granted.
CONCLUSSION
- Universities must work closely with the police forums and or entities that surround them.
- Special campus-specific tasks force needs to be implemented.
- The voice of students cannot be undermined when planning campus security strategies by campus management.
- Improved, accountable and transparent campus reporting systems for crime and harassment are important in handling these challenges.
