MUSGRAVE Centre General Manager, Mariam Omarjee, says it is deeply concerning that criminals were again targeting shopping malls, possibly in the run up to the busy festive season. This comes after four armed robbers held up staff at the Truworths Elements outlet at the weekend and fled with high value products such as perfumes worth an undisclosed amount.
“We are relieved that no-one was hurt in this unfortunate incident and are working closely with the South African Police Services to bring the perpetrators to book. The CCTV footage of the suspects has been handed over to the investigating officers. For obvious reasons, we cannot provide specific details of the measures we are putting in place, however, security measures are continuously being monitored, including an increase in security presence and technological advancements,” said Omarjee.
“A general appeal to all shoppers and tenants is to be particularly vigilant during the upcoming busy season and to report anything suspicious to the centre’ security personnel and SAPS. Centre Management, Security Companies and Armed Response Companies are supporting the work of a specialized task team appointed by SAPS which is working with Business Against Crime and investigating various robberies in the province, including this one at Musgrave Centre,” she said.
Meanwhile, Berea Police spokesperson, Capt Poobalan Naidoo who confirmed the incident said: “Suspects with balaclavas held up the staff at the perfume section of Truworths. They ordered them to lie on the floor and a variety of perfumes were taken. There have been no arrests and recoveries.”
