By Aphiwe Mgoqi and Talent Tembe
The Durban University of Technology’s Protection Services, in collaboration with its security partners, hosted its 2nd annual Crime Awareness Week at Steve Biko campus last week.
DUT Protection Services, Ranger, Blue Security and Izikhova, hosted the crime awareness initiative to equip students with self-defence techniques.
The campaign was to promote student safety on and off campus, where students were taught about self-defence and how to react when in a dangerous situation.
DUT security officer, Sandile Mkhize, cited an increase in crime reports from students, prompting Protection Services to ramp up efforts to educate them about safety.
“This event was needed because students don’t listen to us as security personnel when we reprimand them about things such as carrying their phones recklessly on the road, so I think having something like this, where a group of officers warn and teach them about safety will show them the importance of safety and being careful on the road,” he said.
Ranger security officer Muzi Phungula said there is a need for people to be equipped with self-defence skills to prevent crimes such as robbery, mugging, kidnapping and rape.
He said: “Everyone must know how to defend themselves. When they (people) find themselves in a situation where they are attacked, we as the Ranger team ensure that people know what to do or where to run to in case of emergency. We have self-defence classes, but they are not to promote heroism in dangerous situations. It is important that we prioritise our safety. The first thing to do when cornered is to scream as loud as you can. The second one is to run.”
A student, Zama Lushaba, said the event was just what they needed regarding the self-defence moves that were demonstrated. “The highlight for me was the exercising and the self-defence class. They showed us that there are some moves that I can do before I allow the criminals to get away with the crime.
“The event was very helpful, and I’m so happy with all the prizes ( paper sprays, T-shirts and water bottles) I won here today just for participating,” she added.
Another student, Simphiwe Mkhwanazi, said the event was insightful. He appreciated the practical tools for safety (tracking security device) that they were introduced to.
“The tracking device that they want to introduce was interesting for me because it would be a good solution, especially when students are kidnapped and their whereabouts are unknown.”
The Crime Awareness Team encouraged the students to stay safe and apply what they have learnt.
