‘No unaccompanied minors allowed’ – Clearwater Mall beefs up security to avoid Luh Twizzy disruptions

The Clearwater Mall management says a potential disruption by a group of teenagers planned for the long weekend has resulted in the mall beefing up its security.

“Given the potential disruption, we will be putting in place additional measures to safeguard our shoppers and tenants. Some of these measures include heightened security and SAPS presence at our centre,” said Clearwater Mall on Thursday.

As an additional precaution to ensure the safety of shoppers and the centre, Clearwater Mall said no unaccompanied minors would be allowed to enter the centre.

ALSO READ: TikTok distances itself from Luh Twizzy trend

“So, we urge all parents/guardians to accompany their minors/teenagers when visiting Clearwater Mall,” it said.

“At Clearwater Mall, the safety and security of our shoppers, tenants, as well as all staff on site remains our number one priority.”

What is a Luh Twizzy?

Luh Twizzy has been explained as a new term used to describe a young person who is a cross between someone who dresses in Y2K-inspired fashion and the “vamp” aesthetic. 

According to The Daily Star, Y2K fashion often incorporates elements from popular culture and technology from the early 2000s. 

Items inspired by this aesthetic include low-rise jeans, trucker hats, and chunky platforms. 

A New Wave Magazine article described vamp fashion in urban pop culture or Hip Hop culture terms as an almost Hip Hop punk aesthetic inspired by the kind of clothing male vampires would wear.

Young Thug, Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert are among the artists linked to these aesthetic groups along with American rapper, Yeat.

Where do malls come in? 

Those who partake in the Luh Twizzy trend are also said to prefer meeting at malls en masse. 

This as they happen to be of school-going age, and as a result, a number of them are on holiday and have been left to their own devices.

They, therefore, organise online and agree to meet at malls where they hang out and sometimes even fight each other. 

They also fight young people who belong to other identity groups, taking common online behaviour out into the real world. 

READ MORE: What the heck is a Luh Twizzy and why are they invading malls?

Additional reporting by Kaunda Selisho