Two men’s residences on Stellenbosch University’s (SU) main campus, Eendrag and Simonsberg, have seen a recent trend of break-ins throughout the month of February.
This was confirmed by Jannes van Niekerk, Simonsberg primarius, and Nikolas Germishuysen, Eendrag vice primarius.
“There has been a slight increase in incidents of theft, especially at men’s residences […] a repetitive trend at the beginning of each year as there are so many new students on campus,” said Dr Viljoen van der Walt, director of risk and protection services at SU campus security.
Security measures have been taken in an attempt to keep unlocked doors secure, as seen at a main door of Stellenbosch University’s Eendrag residence. PHOTO: Mia Oliver
Robbed while asleep
Three break-ins occurred at Eendrag during the first week of February, according to Germishuysen. The perpetrators took advantage of the unlocked doors of the Eendrag balconies often referred to as the “stoep,” he said.
Bradley Virgin, an Eendrag resident, was asleep in his dormitory when a break-in occurred on the night of 7 February. The following morning, Virgin realised that his phone, two watches and his wallet were missing. “I came to the conclusion that I had been robbed […] while I was sleeping in my room.”
Perpetrators entered Stellenbosch University’s Eendrag residence via the “stoep” entrances. PHOTO: Mia Oliver
According to Simonsberg primarius Jannes van Niekerk, three similar break-ins occurred in Simonsberg within the last two weeks of February. There had been a “system error with the card scanning at the dining hall entrance”, which allowed perpetrators to enter the premises in broad daylight and gain access to any unlocked rooms, he said.
“I put my laptop on my desk [and] took my laundry to get washed inside the res […] I was out of my room for 5 to 10 minutes,” said Francois Malan, a Simonsberg resident. When Malan returned to his room, he saw that his laptop and charger were missing.
This incident occurred minutes after Malan arrived home after his morning classes on 28 February.
A total of three break-ins occurred at the men’s residence Eendrag early February 2024, confirmed Eendrag vice primarius Nikolas Germishuysen. PHOTO: Mia Oliver
Campus security takes action to create safety awareness
Malan reported the theft to campus security. “Campus security investigates all reports of theft and will, where possible, gain access to CCTV footage and visit the premises,” Van der Walt informed SMF News.
CCTV footage showed an unknown perpetrator walking through the residence and exiting with Malan’s belongings about 3 to 4 minutes later.
“Campus security is working hard at creating safety awareness especially amongst newcomers. This year alone, 30 safety talks have been held on the Stellenbosch campus,” said Van der Walt.