Set on the slopes of Table Mountain, UCT's main campus is close to the southern suburbs of Observatory, Mowbray, Rondebosch and Newlands. The M3 highway cuts through the university, dividing the upper campus from the middle and lower campuses.

With many entrances for both cars and pedestrians, UCT's open campus is at risk from criminal activities. Campus Protection Services (CPS) can be contacted for assistance.

CPS staff are highly trained. In the unfortunate circumstances of a crime being committed against anyone in the UCT community, they are able to deal with the practical and legal aspects, such as first-aid and what to do in a case of sexual assault.

CPS 24-hour toll-free number: 080 650 2222
Students and staff can contact this number even if they have no airtime on their phones.

CPS 24-hour hotline: 021 650 2222/3

CPS operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from 6 service centres:

• Burnage House – adjacent to Leo Marquard Hall, Burnage Road
• Upper Campus – Robert Leslie Social Sciences Building, University Avenue
• Middle Campus – Kramer Law Building
• Medical Campus – Barnard Fuller Building
• Forest Hill Residence – Main Road, Mowbray
• Hiddingh Campus – Orange Street, Cape Town.

Approach

CPS has a 4-pronged approach to campus security and safety:

• Presence: Uniformed staff patrol the campus on foot and in vehicles, and their presence acts as a positive deterrent against criminals.
• Engineering: Equipment installed to enhance security includes fencing, gates and closed-circuit television (CCTV).
• Education: Meetings and workshops are held with students and staff to create awareness of security issues, and provide advice on how to deal with various situations.
• Enforcement: In extraordinary circumstances CPS will take whatever appropriate action is necessary to maintain order and security on campus.

Staff and students are encouraged to be aware of crime or safety risks, and to keep CPS informed of any incidents.