Safety on campus

There are emergency panic buttons at numerous locations throughout the campus. These can be identified by the orange panel surrounding the buttons. In a case of genuine emergency, you may press the button to speak to Protection Services. Students tampering with the emergency buttons or placing hoax calls will be severely disciplined.

Access to many campus facilities is controlled by the use of student identity cards. Every student must carry his/her Kudu Card at all times. Please report lost/stolen Kudu Cards to Protection Services IMMEDIATELY. This is to prevent unauthorised use of your card.

You should have your card with you at all times and be prepared to show it to Protection Services or Library personnel at any time if you are asked. Other officers of the University may require your card as identification in labs, examination venues and sports facilities. You may not refuse to identify yourself.

Abuse or misuse of your Kudu Card may lead to disciplinary action or immediate card confiscation.

What constitutes misuse of your card?

• Allowing any other person to gain access to, or out of, any facility
• Being in possession of more than one Kudu Card
• Allowing another person to make use of your card for any purpose, other than to obtain your details for official university purposes
• Failing to store the card in a manner that will prevent it from being damaged (every card is issued with a Card Holder for this purpose)
• Failure to report any financial or fraudulent irregularities.

Be aware. Stay alert.

1. Intersection of Jorrissen and Bertha Streets, outside Wits Art Museum
2. Jorrissen Street outside the Richard Ward building
3. Braamfontein cemetery
4. Parktown area: Girton, St. Andrews, St. Davids and Winchester Roads
5. Municipal parks (Peter Roos Park in particular)

Security personnel are available to assist you on a 24 hour basis at the following locations:

• East Campus: Room 1, Robert Sobukwe Block
• Medical Campus: Main foyer, Ground floor, Faculty of Health Sciences
• West Campus: FNB Building
• Education Campus: Administration Block

1. Never leave your room or office unlocked or hand your room/office key to any unauthorised person. 
2. Keep your money and other valuables locked up or out of sight. 
3. When moving around campus, especially at night, keep to well-lit walkways or use the security escort services.
4. Do not leave personal belongings such as bags, purses, books, clothing or other items unattended.
5. Do not leave valuables visible in motor vehicles.
6. Keep your motor vehicle locked and if possible use a steering lock, gear lock or similar device.
7. Be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for opportunistic thieves who may snatch wallets, bracelets, cell phone and bags. Avoid narrow, quiet walkways.
8. Report any suspicious activity to Protection Services and help Wits to be crime free.
9. Know all emergency numbers.
10. Avoid displaying valuables when in public, where criminals can see them.

There is a 24 hour escort service available for staff and students on campus. This is particularly useful if you are working late. If you require an escort dial one of the numbers listed below and give the following information:

1. Your current location
2. Your name
3. Call back number in case of delay.

Security Telephone Numbers:

East Campus: (011) 717 4444 / 6666
Health Sciences Campus: (011) 717 2222 / 2232
Education Campus: (011) 717 3340
Business School: (011) 717 3589

If a fire breaks out in a building, or if there is any other potential threat, an Emergency Alarm will sound.
This signal will be made by an alarm device. If this signal is heard, the occupants of the building MUST IMMEDIATELY follow the procedure laid out below:

• Immediately close all windows. This will inhibit the spreading of the fire (if any).
• If there is time, take essential belongings with you - eg. your handbag with your personal keys and identity documents.
• Assist visitors and other students to leave the building safely. (Members of the public who may be in the building, and are unfamiliar with its layout, may need assistance to find the exit and persons with disabilities must be assisted). Students who are hearing impaired (deaf) need to be alerted to any emergency alarm.
• Close all room doors, but do NOT lock them. Locked doors prevent access by fire fighters and may result in unnecessary damage to property.
• Move quickly in an orderly manner to the nearest exit. Do NOT use the lift. Always make use of the escape routes/ fire stairwells closest to your position. 
• In circumstances where there is a lot of smoke, keep as near to the floor as possible as you move out. A wet handkerchief is a useful filter when there is hot smoke billowing.
• When you get outside the building, move away from the building.
• DO NOT re-enter the building unless advised by an official that it is safe to do so.
• Please cooperate with staff involved in dealing with any aspect of the evacuation.