In October last year, a Carte Blanche investigation revealed a terrifying trend in Stellenbosch: the abduction and, sometimes, murder of university students. Just days before our October story aired, 19-year-old Jesse Mitchell - a Stellenbosch University student - was killed. He was cycling home after working on a project with fellow students when he was attacked, robbed of his backpack and cell phone, and stabbed in the neck. So, could his murder have been avoided?
Startling new information reveals that petty crime in the picturesque university town has been escalating for several months, with parts of Stellenbosch demarcated as crime hotspots. In our latest investigation, we uncover how Stellenbosch police are seemingly failing to properly investigate these crimes, while some claim the university failed to adequately alert students.
For weeks, we requested an on-camera interview with university representatives but had little success. Ultimately, we confronted university Vice-Chancellor Prof. Wim de Villiers at a graduation ceremony in a bid to get some answers. A day later, we received the below written response.
Statement: Carte Blanche
Together we are safer
December 2024
Stellenbosch University (SU) is treating the matter of the safety of our students and staff as an utmost priority.
For the Stellenbosch community, incidents like the death of Jesse Mitchell, cannot just be another statistic in a crime-ridden country. As with any report of potential harm or threats, it should and has indeed been treated with seriousness and urgency. It spurs us on to do everything reasonable in our commitment to promote the safety of our students and staff – and to determine where we should improve on these aspects.
Immediate steps
In response to the concerning incidents, SU has stepped up its awareness campaigns through direct interaction, social media messaging and WhatsApp channels to inform students of the services that are freely available to to create a safe campus”.
This is over and above our ongoing awareness and action initiatives that include regular reminders about best practices and crime prevention tips on the University’s Facebook page and Instagram, as well as the frequent promotion of the University’s Walk-With service that is available every evening from 18:00 onwards. Students can request to be accompanied by a security officer at night, when walking between buildings or on parking areas on campus. This free service is available throughout the year. This is apart from the University’s shuttle services daily which can be booked up to 15 minutes prior to intended departure – to drop them off at their homes.
An additional “walk-together-express" is available during exam times. The service is available during exams on the hour starting from 19.00 daily.
The University is also reviewing its existing safety processes to improve where possible, the response to safety concerns on campus.
Furthermore, a student indaba is being planned for early next year when the academic year resumes to engage directly with students about security issues and safety measures. Additional plans include to identify options, such as the use of cellphone apps, to make it easier to report incidents or seek help. The University is also supporting student research towards developing innovative solutions for campus safety.
The University also endeavours to amplify its communication about safety measures to students and parents and is appealing to all students to immediately report incidents to the University as support is available.
Safety measures
Even before students set foot on campus for the first time, SU prioritises crime prevention and safety awareness as an essential part of their experience. During Welcoming Week, Campus Security leads information sessions with student leaders and groups of newcomers, educating them on personal safety practices, self-defence training, and safety apps.
Students are regularly reminded – via posters, social media posts or information distributed in their residences and faculties - to take preferred routes on campus which have a security presence 24 hours a day, seven days a week; to walk in groups during quiet times, especially in the evenings; to not have valuables on display; to keep belongings close; to not walk and talk on a cell phone; to refrain from leaving valuable items visible in a car or in the boot; and to ensure that cars are properly locked.
Furthermore, they are urged to report all incidents to the South African Police Services (SAPS) and to Campus Security who will follow up on leads and conduct thorough investigations. This is extremely important as it assists in planning processes and to take preventative measures.
SU will help students report incidents to the relevant authorities even if they did not take place on campus. The University will also direct students to the appropriate support structures irrespective of where an incident occurred. Students should also report any suspicious activity even if a crime has not taken place.
A dedicated, highly trained security team patrols the grounds of the University. This team is supported by a 24/7 operational centre that handles all emergency calls, monitors alarm activations and CCTV systems. Any reports of potential harm or threats are treated with the highest level of seriousness and urgency.
Ensuring a safe environment
These ongoing efforts underscore our commitment to fostering a secure environment with our partners in town and equipping students with the resources and knowledge needed to stay safe throughout their time at the university.
Although crime is indeed a universal concern in our country and Stellenbosch is not exempted from this, SU will mobilise whatever resources it has at its disposal towards supporting law enforcement in this battle as we believe success lies in collaboration.
In this regard the University has over the years established a strong partnership with local law enforcement and security agencies to ensure comprehensive coverage and safety throughout the greater Stellenbosch area. The University is also working with the Stellenbosch Municipality to identify key routes and walkways in town where safety can be bolstered with additional lighting and CCTV cameras. The University commends the Municipality’s initiative to name the Borcherds Street walkway after Jesse.
While collaboration with other security role players in town is critical, ultimate success however lies in students, staff and the public taking hand in becoming active partners in this process. We all need to remain watchful and vigilant.
We want to assure parents and students that active steps are being taken to maintain a safe environment where students can pursue their studies without fear.
Together we are safer
Response to Prof Wim de Villiers being confronted by the Carte Blanche team at the December 2024 Graduation Ceremonies (11 December 2024)
Dear Catherine
We must express our concern with the conduct of the Carte Blanche team last night (11 December 2024). Despite our consistent efforts and commitment to provide detailed responses to your earlier enquiries the team chose to bypass established protocols and approached Prof Wim de Villiers in the foyer of the Coetzenburg Centre during the conclusion of official graduation procedures.
This approach was both unexpected and, in our view, inappropriate. The manner in which this unfolded raises concerns about journalistic ethics which requires fairness, transparency and respect in engagement. The incident may create incorrect assumptions, such as the perception that the University is uncooperative, which is clearly not the case here,
The University asserts its rights to be treated fairly. We would appreciate your explanation of how this approach aligns with journalistic standards and best practices. While the University was not in a position to conduct on-camera interviews, we did respond to your enquiries with a commitment to provide a written statement as agreed, now attached hereto.
Awaiting your response before we consider next steps.