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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

Teachers from America attend SAFEFE conference
2009-08-07

 
At the conference were, from the left: Ms Zandile Gxwati, Director: General Education and Training, Free State Department of Education, Prof. Klopper Oosthuizen, Director of SAFEFE and associated with the Department of Agricultural Economics at the UFS, Prof. John Brock, Director: Centre for Economic Education, University of Colorado, USA and Prof. Herman van Schalkwyk, Dean: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, UFS.
Photo: Lacea Loader


A delegation of 12 teachers from 12 different states in the United States of America (USA) visited Bloemfontein this week to attend a conference at Bain’s Game Lodge presented by the University of the Free State’s (UFS) South African Foundation for Economic and Financial Education (SAFEFE). Amongst others, the conference aimed to inform the teachers about education in the province and the importance of the ongoing involvement of universities in the R-12 school system. The conference was also attended by representatives from the Free State Department of Education.

The group of teachers form part of a larger delegation of 28 teachers from the USA who are currently visiting South Africa. The delegation is part of the Council for Economic Education (CEE) in the USA’s Economics International Programme that is presented at the UFS in cooperation with SAFEFE. The teachers are visiting several schools in the country to gain experience about the South African school system.

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