Local malls respond to terrorist threats
“We are taking this threat seriously,” says Gateway management.
WITH the weekend approaching, local shopping centres have issued statements saying their security staff remain on high alert following the recent terror threats against South Africa. Management from both La Lucia Mall and Gateway Theatre of Shopping said that they have not taken the security alert issued by the US Diplomatic Mission to South Africa lightly and have beefed up security at their facilities.
“The safety of our shoppers is paramount and we want to assure them we are taking this threat seriously,” commented Gaby Sithole, commercial director for JHI Properties and spokesman for Gateway.
Sithole said additional security procedures have been implemented and they are ‘working closely with the relevant authorities and intelligence bureaus to monitor the situation’.
Stephan le Roux, retail sector divisional director for Growthpoint Properties and spokesman of the La Lucia Mall, said they have also responded to the alert.
“We have reviewed the security at all our retail centres, placed security teams on high alert and enhanced security measures in line with our protocols. We regularly communicate and cooperate with the SAPS and welcome their direction for our centres. We will remain vigilant,” he said.
The terror alert was issued by the US government over the weekend and alleged that the Islamic State threatened to carry out attacks globally throughout the month of Ramadaan.
US Embassy spokeswoman, Cynthia Harvey, said their government received information that the terrorist group would be targeting facilities where US citizens congregate in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
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