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15 September 2020 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Unsplash
Kidnapping and human trafficking are a real threat to people worldwide. Should you find yourself in such a situation, your main focus must be on your own safety and survival.

Kidnapping and human trafficking are a real threat to people worldwide, and recent incidents reported on social media highlight the need for staff and students to remain vigilant, says Cobus van Jaarsveld, Assistant Director: Threat Detection, Investigations and Liaison from Protection Services at the University of the Free State.

Van Jaarsveld adds that should you find yourself in such a situation, your main focus must be on your own safety and survival. 

He provides some tips to avoid being kidnapped, as well as some actions to take when you are kidnapped. These tips come from sources that deal with incidents such as these on a daily basis, including WorldAware, the South African Police Service, and Interpol.

When walking to your destination, keep the following in mind:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Tell a trusted person where you will be, who you will be with, and when you expect to return.
• If you sense that someone is following you when you get off a bus, taxi or train, walk towards a well-populated area.
• Do not wear headphones or read while walking or standing on the street.
• When on the street, walk facing oncoming traffic. It will be harder for someone in a vehicle to abduct you.
• Do not hitchhike.
• Try to maintain a low profile.
• Modify your fashion style, toning down colours and accessories.
• Wear comfortable clothing; women should avoid wearing high heels and slippers, which are difficult to run in when attempting to escape. If you are going out with high heels, always have a pair of comfortable flat shoes handy.
• Avoid wearing clothing with long straps such as scarves, necklaces, and purses. These items can be used to strangle you or to tie you up.
• Try to not overload yourself with packages.
• Stay off the street if you are alone and upset or under the influence of medications or alcohol.
• Avoid using outside ATMs at night or in unfamiliar surroundings.
• Avoid isolated or poorly lit restrooms and be extra careful on stairwells.
• Do not get into an elevator with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable. If this is unavoidable, stand near the controls and locate the emergency button.

Prof Beatri Kruger, Research fellow at the Free State Centre for Human Rights in the UFS Faculty of Law, has conducted extensive research on the topic of human trafficking over the years. She adds to Van Jaarsveld’s safety tips and says it is important to memorise emergency telephone numbers. “Save them on your cellphone, especially the 0800 222 777 number, which is the Human Trafficking national helpline available 24/7 free of charge.”

Alternatively call the mobile phone emergency number 112 or Protection Services toll free line 080 020 4682.

“It is also important to arrange a code word with family or close friends – so that when you say or text that word and where you are, they will know to immediately come to you.”

In this day and age, Prof Kruger also urges everyone to empower themselves with reliable information on what trafficking is and what methods traffickers use to lure, deceive, trap, and control you. She suggests the website of the national Freedom Network: http://www.nationalfreedomnetwork.co.za/ or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NationalFreedomNetwork/ for more information. 

• Distribution of fake news 
 
Staff and students are requested to refrain from distributing fake news on any communication platform, as the distribution of fake news places an additional burden on the limited capacity of law enforcement agencies. 
 
Currently, a message is being distributed on social media and via WhatsApp, containing content with unconfirmed allegations that was originally distributed in 2017 (a company by the name of Forex, kidnapping females for human trafficking and selling their body parts). 
 
Protection Services supports the university's sentiment – as communicated in the Strategic Plan – that the well-being and safety of its staff and students need to receive top priority.   
 
They are currently looking into an alleged incident that occurred on 14 September 2020; all steps are being taken to ensure the safety of our students and staff. 

News Archive

Dean of student affairs leaves the UFS after 29 years
2008-12-11

Prof. Teuns Verschoor (left), Acting Rector of the UFS, and Dr Luyt during his farewell function. Prof. Verschoor and Dr Luyt worked together in student affairs at the UFS for 26 years. Prof. Verschoor was Dean of Student Affairs before Dr Luyt took over the reigns from him.

Photo: Lacea Loader

 

The Dean of Student Affairs at the University of the Free State (UFS), Dr Natie Luyt, will be leaving the university after 29 years of service.

Dr Luyt decided to retire in order to spend more time with his wife, Ria, and his family. He will also be involved with his farm on a full-time basis.

“I have experienced a lot during my career and have learnt a lot from the staff and students at the UFS. There are students of exceptional quality at the university and it was a privilege to work with these young people. It was also a privilege to see the UFS grow to become the exceptional institution it is today,” Dr Luyt said during his farewell function this week.

Dr Luyt started working at the Department of Political Science of the UFS in 1980 and was appointed as Director of Student Affairs in 1997 and in 2005 as Dean of Student Affairs. During this time he was also closely involved with the Abraham Fischer Residence, where he was residence head since 1982.

Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Acting Rector of the UFS, said in his farewell message that the UFS has appreciation for Dr Luyt’s decades of service. “Dr Luyt had a meaningful life at the UFS. We have appreciation for his ability to deal with difficult cases and for his kind heart where student affairs are concerned. He will be remembered for the way in which he always knew what went on in the residences and that he always put the needs of students first,” said Prof. Verschoor.

Dr Choice Makhetha, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs at the UFS, will act as dean until the post is filled.
 

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader 
                Assistant Director: Media Liaison 
                Tel: 051 401 2584 
                Cell: 083 645 2454 
                E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
11 December 2008

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