Student criminal victimisation: a case of South Africa

The conventional perception of universities as tranquil spaces has been challenged by the recent increase in campus-related violence in South Africa. The rise in homicides, violent protests, and acts of self-directed violence has raised concerns among various stakeholders in higher education. The effectiveness of university policies and security measures has been the subject of numerous studies, as student safety and security remain ongoing concerns. This paper focuses on the role of security personnel in ensuring student safety at the University of South Africa. The study will be conducted using a secondary desktop study, employing PRISMA analysis. Routine Activity Theory will be used to analyse the research subject and provide insight into its current reality. This paper examines the role of security personnel in preventing students from becoming victims of crime. Utilising a systematic approach, this research seeks to enhance campus safety and security. The findings underscore that a combination of environmental, institutional, and behavioural factors influences Campus security. Poor infrastructure, including inadequate lighting and non-functional cameras, weakens safety. It is recommended that students refrain from using headphones, avoid walking alone at night, and move in groups to remain vigilant and reduce the risk of becoming targets. Additionally, the university community must work together to strengthen security measures and create a safer campus environment.