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UFS continues to provide safe environment for students

14 August 2020 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Unsplash

Crime_read more — Reporting cases makes it easier to link certain suspects to crimes that were committed.

The diligent reporting of crime paid off when a number of suspects were arrested.

Cobus van Jaarsveld, Assistant Director: Threat Detection, Investigations and Liaison in the UFS Department of Protection Services, says on 12 August 2020, Nissi Armed Response, in co-operation with SecuriForce, ADT, and the SAPS, made two arrests of suspects believed to be involved in some of the crimes committed in the Universitas area. Following these arrests, another suspect who could possibly be linked to further crimes in the Universitas area, was also arrested during the morning of 13 August 2020.

Reporting cases

Reporting cases makes it easier to link certain suspects to crimes that were committed.

It is important that students and staff report all incidents of crime, both off and on campus. On-campus incidents must immediately be reported to Protection Services. Van Jaarsveld says all off-campus incidents can be reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“We at Protection Services would like to extend our appreciation to students who are willing to report cases to the SAPS,” says Van Jaarsveld.

He also encourages students to continue to supply information on suspicious activities to Protection Services and the contracted armed response companies, as well as the SAPS, to ensure a safe environment for all.

Important contact details

Keep the following numbers close in case you need to report an incident or when you need help:

Bloemfontein Campus (in the Brandwag, Universitas, and Park West suburbs):

UFS Protection Services Operational Centre – +27 51 401 2634 / +27 51 401 2911 / +27 0 80 020 4682

Nissi Armed Response Control Room – +27 51 444 0550 / +27 73 790 1837

Park Road SAPS – +27 51 507 6036 / +27 51 507 6027

Qwaqwa Campus (in the area surrounding the campus):

UFS Protection Services Operational Centre – +277 58 718 5460 / +27 58 718 5175

Falcon Security Solutions Control Room – +27 58 713 0240 / +27 66 439 6491

Phuthaditjhaba SAPS – +27 58 718 0894 / 5 / 6

South Campus (in the area surrounding the campus):

UFS Protection Services Operational Centre – +27 51 505 1217 / +27 51 505 1478

Nissi Armed Response Control Room – +27 51 444 0550 / +27 73 790 1837

Kagisanong SAPS – +27 51 409 5608 / 7

News Archive

UFS to implement a policy on HIV and Aids

2005-03-14

The Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) approved the implementation of a policy on HIV and AIDS.

“With this policy we recognise the seriousness of the HIV and AIDS epidemic and the potential impact this disease can have on both the UFS and the wider society. We are committed to addressing HIV and AIDS in a positive, supportive and non-discriminatory approach by providing resources and leadership to implement HIV and AIDS university-based, as well as community outreach programmes,” said Dr Ezekiel Moraka, Vice-Rector: Student Services at the UFS.

The objectives of the policy include:

The protection of individual rights of confidentiality and freedom from discrimination.
The promotion of a sustained educational programme that provides counseling and current accurate information to the University community and to the outside community.
The promotion of behaviors that reduce or minimise the risk of acquiring HIV infection and generally create a safe environment.
The provision of leadership in teaching, research and community service on HIV and AIDS and its impact.
The provision of leadership in promoting the human rights based approach to HIV and AIDS, and thereby also breaking down the stigma attached to the illness.

“The policy also makes provision for the establishment of a Centre for HIV and AIDS within Kovsie Health. This centre will render HIV and AIDS related support services and initiatives to the whole campus,” said Dr Moraka.

According to Dr Petro Basson, head of the Centre for HIV and AIDS at the UFS, there is less than 1% incidence of HIV positive cases amongst undergraduate students on the main and Vista campuses. All these students take part in a voluntary confidential counseling and testing programme (VCCT). In the case of postgraduate students, there is about 1% incidence on both campuses.

“The Centre for HIV and AIDS has led in the development of information campaigns and workshops for students and staff to make them aware of the risks of HIV and AIDS and the necessary measures to ensure their safety. We have found that, because students have access to the right information, they are more cautious when it comes to HIV and AIDS. Awareness campaigns are also conducted throughout the year – especially during rag and intervarsity,” said Dr Basson.

“Some departments have also taken the lead in introducing aspects of HIV and AIDS into academic programmes while important research on the HIV and AIDS topic has already been completed and receives continuous attention,” said Dr Basson.

To achieve a coordinated approach, a Life Skills Forum will be established consisting of representatives of among others the Student Representative Council (SRC), academic departments, trade unions, Kovsie Counseling and Development, etc.

“With this policy the UFS pledges its commitment to participate actively in the fight against the disease,” said Dr Moraka.

Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
14 March 2005

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