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29 April 2024 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Supplied
Protection Services Crime and Incident Investigation Proceedure
The UFS Crime and Incident Investigation Procedure is committed to maintaining campus safety.

In alignment to its strategic Vision 130 of fostering a safe and secure environment for all staff and students, the University of the Free State (UFS) introduced a robust Crime and Incident Investigation Procedure. This initiative underscores the institution's commitment to upholding its values of integrity, accountability, and excellence, while ensuring the well-being of its diverse community.

Jacobus van Jaarsveld, Deputy Director at Protection Services, highlighted the importance of this procedural framework, stating: “Our aim is to establish a culture of safety and accountability within the university community. By implementing this procedure, we are reaffirming our dedication to prompt and thorough investigations of all reported incidents.”

Comprehensive coverage and scope

The Procedure encompasses all UFS students, staff members, visitors, contractors, and service providers across multiple campuses and satellite sites. It addresses incidents occurring both on-campus and off-campus if they affect the university’s reputation or assets.

Ethical and professional investigations

All investigations are conducted with professionalism, impartiality, and adherence to legal and ethical standards. The principle of “innocent until proven guilty” is upheld, respecting the rights and freedoms of all individuals involved.

Students, staff members, and other stakeholders are obligated to familiarise themselves with the Procedure, promptly report incidents, cooperate with investigators, and comply with university policies and codes of conduct.

Inclusive and collaborative approach

The Procedure emphasises the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that investigative processes accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities. It also highlights the establishment of interdepartmental service level agreements to facilitate collaboration and information-sharing among relevant departments.

Continuous improvement and monitoring

The UFS will monitor reported incidents through regular updates and crime overviews. Additionally, ongoing evaluation and refinement of the Procedure will be based on crime statistics, security risk assessments, and best practices in investigative management.

In conclusion, the implementation of the Crime and Incident Investigation Procedure represents a significant step forward in the UFS’s ongoing efforts to create a safe, supportive, and conducive environment for learning, teaching, and research. Through proactive measures and steadfast adherence to principles of integrity and accountability, the university reaffirms its commitment to excellence in all aspects of university life.

Report crime

Bloemfontein Campus Protection Services: +27 51 401 2911 or +27 51 401 2634
South Campus Protection Services: +27 51 505 1217 
Qwaqwa Campus Protection Services: +27 58 718 5460 or +27 58 718 5175

Click here to download the Crime and Incident Investigation Procedure booklet and watch the video below.

News Archive

UFS appoints a Director for Internasionalisation
2009-03-17

Prof. Aldo Stroebel has been promoted to Director Internationalisation of the University of the Free State (UFS) effective 1 April 2009. This confirms the UFS's commitment to excellence in research and student support, and investing in international competitiveness. As a result, Internationalisation will report to the Vice Rector: Academic Operations.

He is recognised as a leader in the internationalisation of higher education, inter alia through appointments such as Vice-President of the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA), Executive Committee member of the International Educators’ Association of South Africa (IEASA), member of the Board of the South Africa Netherlands Partnership Programme on Alternatives in Development (SANPAD) and Conference President of the International Organisation of Research Management Societies (INORMS 2010).

Prof. Stroebel is an internationally renowned agriculture and rural development specialist, focusing on Africa. He obtained his Masters degree from Ghent University, Belgium, and a Ph.D. from the UFS in collaboration with Cornell University, USA. During 2005, he was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Wageningen University and Research Centre in the Netherlands. He is the author/co-author of more than 80 articles, book chapters and reports.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs
 

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