Durban stakeholders unite to fight mall robberies

THE Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a multi stakeholder engagement, to address the increase in robberies at malls and shopping centres in the city and surrounding precincts.

The Durban United Against Crime dialogue gave a platform to businesses, government, community representatives and law enforcement agencies to air their views and unite in the fight against crime in the city.

The most recent robberies took place in Southway Mall in Queensburgh, Bluff Towers, Watercrest Mall, Kloof Village Mall, The Pavilion and Westwood Mall and Pinecrest Centre.

ALSO READ: Robbers strike at Kloof shops

Through this initiative, the Durban Chamber aims to protect existing and attract additional investment in the city but most importantly ensure that no human suffers at the hands of another.

“As the Durban Chamber we abhor any crime in our city. The prevalence of crime in our commercial centres is of serious concern to the business community as it has highly negative effects on doing business,” said the Durban Chamber president, Zeph Ndlovu.

Project executive at the office of the Chief of Metro police, Nhlanhla Mthethwa said, “We need to find a connection between SAPS and Metro to try and combat these crimes.”

According to Mthethwa, as Metro there is not much they can do inside the malls as that lies with mall management, Metro can assist in patrolling the streets outside the mall.

“In order for us to fight crime inside the malls there needs to be a service level agreement between Metro and the mall,” he stated.

Ensuring that they is visible policing was another issue that was discussed. Mthethwa said Metro Police will be undergoing a recruitment drive (recruiting 200 per year). This drive will aim to address issues of professionalism, establishing a code of conduct and reviewing and revising policies to address issues. In addition, he indicated that crime prevention first starts with communities addressing key issues.

ALSO READ: Robbers smash Pinecrest shopfront windows and flee with loot

The following suggestions came from the dialogue; a war room should be set up to deal only with mall crimes, more visible policing, bring back professionalism and work ethic in police officers and provide panic buttons for stores.

Ndlovu said, “It all starts at home, lets go back to basics and teach our children right from wrong.”

Business man, Amit Gopal from Gopal Luggage said, “We can see real customers from fake shoppers and we can assist in preventing a robbery before takes place if there are proper communication channels.”

ALSO WATCH: Armed robbers hit Kloof Village Mall store

Chairperson of the Justice and Safety Forum, Jabu Nkomo said, “We will hold SAPS and Metro responsible and we urge civilians to report officers that are competent.”

She went on to say that there needs to be communication and planning around business for such crimes. In addition, businesses should consider crime prevention methods/strategies. Through the safety and justice forum, the Chamber will continue the dialogue of fighting crime related issues affecting businesses and the well-being of staff.

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