STUDENTS NO LONGER SAFE BEHIND LOCKED DOORS!

Shanell Binedell

@shanell_lalala

A student accommodation, located in Hoffman Street was left shaken after a series of burglaries that took place in the early hours of Saturday, 1 March. The incident occurred after the complex’s security gate was lifted off its track, allowing access to the units. However, the owner of the complex stated that the person could only lift the gate off the track after they were already inside the complex, which could have happened if the person slipped in with a car that was driving in. She also mentioned that the complex hasn’t experienced such an incident in over 5 years.

Elsje De Kock, a resident of the complex, was awakened this morning by Mooirivier Protection Services, who immediately started investigating. Mooirivier Protection Services collected fingerprints and statements from the students affected by the incident. In the series of thefts, students lost their cell phones, laptops, speakers, cameras, and smartwatches. It is notable, that the thieves were looking for technological accessories, since they left clothes hanging outside the house and even jewelry untouched.

Another resident, Nina Cloete, said she missed the burglaries because she left her room light on. Other residents’ burglar bars were removed from their windows in such a way that no one was awakened. Upon inspection of the burglar bars, it was clear that they can be removed from the outside with just a small lever, but some of the burglar bars were also broken off.

The cell phone that was stolen had its location picked up not far from De Hoff at 3:30 AM on Saturday morning, but upon investigation at the location itself, the cell phone is still missing. Students from the complex said they feel unsafe and violated and that many of them will spend tonight at another place.

Students are advised to lock their doors at night and not to place their valuable possessions near windows.

Edited by Mhlengi Khumalo