Gogo is targeted at mall after withdrawing cash

For more than six years, Mavis Mtshali saved up to have new flooring installed at her Daveyton home.

On June 7, the 64-year-old domestic worker’s dream was within reach.

She had saved up the R13 500 needed to have the work done.

However, her excitement was short-lived when her hard earned savings were allegedly stolen by a gang of criminals.

Matshali reached out to the Benoni City Times on June 11after reading the June 7 front page story, ‘Mom and son held hostage.’

“The money I have worked hard for was taken from me. The ordeal started at the Absa branch in Lakeside Mall at about 13.30 on June 7,” the distraught woman explained .

“My daughter always manages my finances but because I wanted to withdraw a large sum, I was required to attend to the matter personally.

“Upon completing the transaction I quickly made my way to the covered parking towards the taxi rank. I was very nervous about withdrawing so much money and wanted to get home as quickly as possible.”

Mtshali said that while she was walking to the taxi rank, a substantial amount of money fell from the jacket of a man walking ahead of her.

Altercation
“A woman came from behind me. She was rubbing her hands together and told me to take the money. I’m not a thief and objected to this,” she said.

“I started feeling disorientated and suddenly the man and the woman were shouting, saying I stole money.

“A white Ford Icon with two men inside stopped and I was told we should all go to the police station to resolve the matter.”

She alleged one of the men identified himself as Mavuso from Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal. In the vehicle three of the suspects demanded to see her handbag and were rummaging through its contents.

“I was so confused. I knew I was in danger but my body would not respond. I remember one of the suspects phoning my daughter claiming to be a bank employee and asking for my PIN number, saying I forgot it,” she said.

“It felt like a lifetime but the car finally stopped in Dunswart and I was given my bag and told to get out.

“As the car sped off, I immediately checked my handbag. My cellphone and money were gone, I was only left with an envelope containing blank Lotto tickets.

” After leaving her stranded, the suspected allegedly withdrew the remaining R350 in her account from a nearby ATM.”

Sobbing, Mtshali said the money the criminals stole was her life’s savings. “They are shameless,” she said.

With the help of her employer a case of robbery was reported to the Benoni Police Station, the Absa branch and the mall’s onsite security office.

Mtshali said that CCTV footage from the bank indicates that one of the assailants was inside the bank at the time of the withdrawal and is seen leaving the queue shortly after her.

She was able to identify him as the man she encountered in the parking area.

“The mall security did not seem interested in my claim and it felt like they were blaming me for the incident,” she said clutching her handbag tightly.

“Why didn’t anyone see what was happening in the parking area and how I was forced into the car? I am heartbroken and scared. I am not one to shop and waste money but I will not go to Lakeside Mall again.”

Mall responds
Amy Yelliah, the Lakeside Mall centre manager, responded to the latest claim of a robbery that originated at the centre confirming that the matter was reported to the mall’s onsite security office and management was informed.

“Our security team conducted a thorough investigation and reviewed all relevant CCTV footage,” she said.

“Unfortunately, the risks associated with carrying large amounts of money or valuables are challenges everywhere. Similar incidents were related to shopping centres across SA, Lakeside Mall included, and usually occur off-site.

“These incidents reinforce how important it is to be vigilant when leaving the bank after withdrawing large sums of money.”

Yelliah further stated that the mall, its management and security actively prioritise crime prevention and regularly engage with the Benoni Police Station and CPF to stay abreast of common crime threats, criminal methods and how best to prevent these incidents.

She said onsite car guards are trained to alert the security control room of any suspicious activity in the parking areas.

Yelliah shared these safety tips with shoppers:
• Be vigilant if anyone approaches you and offers ‘discounts’ on items.
When this happens, it is almost always a scam intended to lure people in to hand over their valuables or money.

• Report any suspicious people or behaviour to the security personnel stationed throughout the mall.

• If shoppers fall victim to crime inside the mall, immediately report the incident to any of the designated security officers.
“The matter should immediately be reported to the security control room and the local SAPS,” she said.

“This will assist us should the suspected perpetrator return to the mall and enable us to provide police with the case number for further action.”

• Yelliah said that as soon as an incident is reported, a comprehensive report is completed, and the CCTV footage is reviewed and saved.

“This is then available to the police once a case is registered,” she said.

“We urge anyone with additional information regarding this alleged incident to come forward and share details with the SAPS or our security. This will aid our efforts to address and resolve the matter swiftly and appropriately.”

She concluded by saying Lakeside Mall constantly works to improve its security measures to promptly and effectively address potential safety concerns.

“Our priority remains the well-being of our shoppers and tenants, and we are dedicated to maintaining a secure environment for everyone,” she said.

The City Times awaits comment from Absa.

ALSO READ: Criminals hold mom, son hostage in mall

ALSO READ: FOLLOW-UP: Retailer taking steps to up security for shoppers at mall