DANIELLE PETTERSON
A man has been arrested after allegedly exposing himself to two female students in the streets of Hatfield. According to the Department of Security Services’ Investigation Officer, Linda Meyer, the man was driving a white Isuzu bakkie. He was naked from the waist down when he confronted the students.The first reported encounter took place on 11 February at approximately 23:00 when the man exposed himself to a female student on her way to a party. The same female student encountered the man again on 15 February at the corner of Richard and South Street when he used his bakkie to block her from crossing the road.The student later reported the incident to her house father who immediately informed campus security.A second female student encountered the man on 15 February at the corner of Burnett Street and Richard Street whilst cycling. According to Meyer, he followed the student in his bakkie and attempted to push her off her bicycle. This student was the first to open a case with the Brooklyn police.According to Colin Fouché, the Director of Security Services, the Department of Security Services facilitated the police case and tracked down the owner of the bakkie, the man’s employer.
“We have a very close working relationship with SAPS,” said Fouché who urges any students who have had similar experiences to inform campus security or the police. According to Fouché, the Department of Security Services will provide professional counselling for victims as well as accompany students to SAPS.
Fouché warns students not to approach the individual in these situations. He advises that they commit as many identifying details as they can to memory and call the 24-hour Operational Management Centre as soon as possible.
The case against the accused is still pending and he is set to receive his sentence later this month.
