SMU Hosted Campus Safety Forum to Fight Campus Crime

 By Aphiwe Nkutha 

Twitter : @Aphiwenkutharh 

Email : nkuthaaphiwe@gmail.com

On 02 October 2025, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University (SMU) hosted the launch of the Campus Community Safety Forum (CCSF), a national campaign by the South African Police Service (SAPS) . The aim of the event was to create a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors by bringing together universities, students, and law enforcement.

Students attended the launch of the Campus Community Safety Forum to learn about improving campus safety. Photo : Aphiwe Nkutha

Students attended presentations and exhibitions that showed how campus safety could be improved. Different organizations were involved, including SAPS Forensic Services, who showed how evidence like fingerprints, cartridge cases, knives, and even handwriting could link suspects to crimes. The forum also included practical demonstrations by the SAPS Forensic Service and pamphlets on crime prevention, gender-based violence, and extortion were also shared. Cobus Venter explained how crime scene investigations are carried out and how evidence can be linked to suspects. He said , “ We investigate crime scenes for fingerprints, DNA, and other clues. A cartridge case can link to a firearm, a knife can link to the victim or suspect, and even handwriting can connect someone to a crime. Every detail helps us find the truth.”

Cobus Venter explained how evidence like fingerprints, DNA, knives, and handwriting can link suspects to crimes. 

At the same time, SAPS Corporate Communication and Marketing Management spoke about new tools for reporting crime. They introduced the My SAPS which allows students to report crimes anonymously, find police stations, and get crime updates and explained how students could use it. Colonel Mataboge said , “With the app, you can report crime anonymously, find your nearest police station, check crime stats, and even rate police service. We are also raising awareness on gender-based violence and extortion”. The forum made it clear that campus safety needs teamwork. Students learned about policies, reporting tools, and how police investigations work . Medicine student , Andiswa Mabuya said “I hope they make sure students, visitors, and staff are well protected. I also hope they form partnerships with other organizations that will help make the campus a better place"
 

The event ended with closing remarks from SAPS and SMU officials, reminding students that safety needs teamwork. Students left with pamphlets, safety tips, and the call to stay alert and report crime.



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