Question NW3879 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
22 November 2023 - NW3879
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
In the wake of the stabbing of a female student from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology by a male student from the University of Cape Town, what (a) urgent steps have been taken to bring the perpetrator to account and (b) measures have been put in place to solve the issue of the lack of security in tertiary institutions?
Reply:
a) The perpetrator was apprehended until campus security took him away and he was arrested, meanwhile, the victim was rushed to hospital and had emergency surgery and is currently recovering. The accused appeared in court on attempted murder charges and remains behind bars as he awaits a bail application date.
b) University security heads were invited to workshops, wherein gaps in their security protocols were discussed and further insights shared with researchers, USAF, SAPS and CAMPROSA. It was agreed that a security blueprint will be developed for the universities. In addition, it was agreed that security policies to support staff, students and management must be developed and approved by the Councils of all the universities by the end of the financial year.