The pandemonium of Black Friday has reached Johannesburg’s northern suburbs today (27 November).
The safety concerns around the major shopping day proved to come to life when social media footage showed the lengthy queues outside of a Woodmead retail park.
Black Friday madness Woodmead Midrand pic.twitter.com/Z5ryhXb28j
— Grant Grabe (@GrabeGrant) November 27, 2020
Dozens of people have reportedly been lined up along the road since the early hours of this morning.
Social media users however questioned the lack of social distancing and wearing of masks.
Woodmead Black Friday, ♂️ ♂️ pic.twitter.com/zas2FfD0i0
— Carley Mokoduo (@carley_mokoduo) November 27, 2020
Just drove past Woodmead and not those lines okes. Black Friday really confuses our people
— Sizwe (@sizweskhosana12) November 27, 2020
Shoppers planning on joining in on the Black Friday mayhem are encouraged to practice all Covid-19 health and safety protocols.
The South African Police Service has also shared the following shopping safety tips:
- Be vigilant when in congested shops or shopping aisles where you cannot walk properly, that is where you will find criminals pickpocketing.
- Avoid displaying valuables where criminals can see them.
- Keep your handbag closed, zipped and with you at all times.
- Keep your mobile phone with you and do not leave it unattended.
- Carry your wallet in your front pocket – never in the rear pocket of your trousers.
- Credit card transactions must be processed in your presence.
- If you are shopping with children, plan ahead, communicate a plan with clear instructions to your child, in case you get separated from each other.
- Identify a central, safe meeting place.
- Teach your child and show them the trusted mall personnel or store security employees if they need help.
- Write down your mobile number on the top of their hand or on a wrist band.
- Keep up-to-date photos and accurate descriptions of your child; should they get separated from you, this information can assist mall security and police in locating your child speedily.
“Remember that along with the excitement of catching a good bargain comes thieves and scammers just looking to take advantage of busy shoppers. Keep your cash & valuables safe,” said the police service in a statement.
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