Dear Students
On a distressingly regular basis Rhodes students are charged with shoplifting. The stories are usually the same: while doing your shopping, you pick up a chocolate bar or a pie and begin to eat it. You are distracted, or may have had a few drinks before going to the shop. As a result, you forget to pay. You are arrested and criminal charges follow.
Students in this situation always have a very difficult time proving their innocence. The public prosecutors will not drop the charges, since shoplifting is a common crime and they need to combat it through the justice system. A full court case has to take place, and those who are found guilty have a permanent criminal record. If this happens to you, you may struggle to find employment or to get a visa for international travel. If you plan to enter a profession such as law or accounting, where the absence of a criminal record is essential, your entire future could be destroyed because of one thoughtless moment.
It is really important NOT to eat store goods while you are shopping. If you forget to pay, the consequences can be devastating.
There are also students who are arrested for shoplifting when it was their intention to steal, and for other crimes such as possession of illegal drugs, driving under the influence of liquor etc. The consequences for them are no less dire. In more serious cases, you could go to prison, which is a very unpleasant place to be.
Vivian de Klerk
DEAN OF STUDENTS