Wits students may be at risk as non-students reportedly gain access to campus through university buses, exposing a security loophole in campus security.
- A growing security loophole in the Wits bus system could endanger thousands of students who use it.
- Over 30 non-registered students removed from buses in recent weeks.
- Wits CPS is actively working on long-term solutions to close the loophole and restore full safety for all students and staff.
Inter-campus buses are meant to be a safe and convenient way for Witises to get around daily, but lax security controls have raised concerns about access and safety.
Despite millions spent on biometric security systems at access points across campuses, unauthorised individuals have reportedly entered Wits `University premises through the buses.
Sylvan Guingohn, Crime Prevention & Liaison Manager at Wits Campus Protection Services (CPS), confirmed “approximately 35 individuals who were not registered Wits students were removed from buses in recent weeks.”
This has sparked alarm among students, particularly as these buses travel between five Wits campuses and two public stops outside campus to load and offload students, including Rosebank mall on weekends.
“It’s rare to find a security guard on the bus,” said Mpho Mphateng, a second-year Bachelor of Education student. “Mostly, it’s just the driver. It would be best if someone was there to check our student cards all the time. We don’t completely feel safe.”
Campus Protection Services acknowledges the concern. Mr John Sibisi, Deputy Director of CPS, responded to questions by noting that officers are sometimes deployed to buses, but not consistently.
“CPS conducts random deployments of officers on buses informed by crime and incident trends. While we may not always have officers in every bus, our strategy is always guided by current security risks,” said Sibisi.
He further confirmed that CPS is actively working with service providers to implement a permanent access control system that will ensure only authorised students can use the bus service. However, this solution may take time to roll out.
“Meanwhile, we continue to run safety awareness campaigns via house committee meetings, libraries, and VOW FM to sensitise students about safety precautions,” Sibisi added.
Wits CPS has urged students to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to their 24-hour control room at 011 717 4444 / 6666, or directly to security staff on campus.
FEATURED IMAGE: Photo of a Wits Bus. Photo: Phenyo Selinda
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