The University students, and staff, are going to directly benefit from the pro-activeness of its Protection Services. Jackson Rammala, Head of Protection Services, said they now have a partnership with Umlazi Community Police Forum, to ensure a safer environment, particularly for prospective students. The initiative is supported by the KwaZulu-Natal government who donated a vehicle to the Umlazi Community Forum. The directorate, with their partner, is running a high visibility campaign to raise awareness of the current crime trends in the Umlazi area. Rammala said that the University is part of the forum’s area of responsibility. The forum will also patrol residences near MUT where MUT students are residing. Rammala added that the forum is “on the ground and arrives faster where they are required”.
Siphelele Mthembu, Deputy Secretary, Umlazi Community Police Forum executive, agreed with Rammala. He said they were concerned about MUT students residing in private residences around the University. He said they wanted to contribute to bringing down the level of crime in the area. MUT Protection Services and the Forum, hold meetings with the local South African Police Service on a regular basis to discuss crime-related issues. Both Rammala and Mthembu appealed to students to report suspicious activities and avoid leaving their valuables in plain sight.
Rammala further raised alarm to online scams during the registration period encouraged new students to remain vigilant against unverified online information. The directorate has also set up an information tent at the Anniversary Lane on main campus to ensure visibility, and to encourage students to interact with them using the Protection Services line 031 819 9486.