Following many rapes and robberies, Tshwane University of Technology students and citizens have been reminded not to use the Rebecca Street cemetery as a shortcut near Phillip Nel Park.
The Spokesperson of Pretoria West Police, Constable Sibongile Vuma, said the community that stays near the area should be vigilant.
“Several students and residents have been robbed or raped while trying to use the cemetery as a shortcut instead of the main road.
“Residents and students avoid the main road and use the cemetery way, which is where they are mugged or raped.
“Police are patrolling the area, but we also want to encourage residents to inform their children about the dangers of using the cemetery as a shortcut,” said Constable Vuma.
A student from TUT that lives near the campus, Ms Lerato Dikgale said she always makes sure that she walks with friends in groups that include males to protect themselves.
“We used to walk late after classes and exams until we were warned that the area is not safe then we decided to use the school bus which also drops us off far from our places and we walk again but it’s better than passing at the cemetery,” she said.
Miss Phaphama Tshisikhawe, a TUT spokesperson, said the university is aware of the issue.
He said trespassers triggered the problem by breaking the fence that separates the cemetery from the university campus.
“Students started using the hole in the damaged fence as an entrance or exit to or from campus. Students have been notified about this hotspot and the security personnel is constantly monitoring the hotspots and advising students not to go through the hotspot,” he said.
