Amanzimtoti retail store starts searching customers [POLL]
These searches are among the national retailer's security measures which have been introduced in the wake of a number of bomb scares and threats at its Durban-based branches.
SHOPPERS at local Woolworths stores have this week been subjected to body searches on entering its Amanzimtoti food and retail stores.
These searches are among the national retailer’s security measures which have been introduced in the wake of a number of bomb scares and threats at its Durban-based branches.
Police say at least seven improvised devices have been found in and around Durban, including in Woolworths shops in recent weeks.
Acting provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi supports the security measures put in place by Woolworths stores in KZN. Following the recent discovery of incendiary devices in some of its stores, Woolworths has extended searches to include customers and police officers in uniform who visit their stores.
“These searches are necessary to mitigate the risk posed to shoppers who visit these stores and we support such compulsory measures,” he said. “Police officers who visit these stores as clients of Woolworths should be subject to the same procedures reserved for all customers, whether they are in uniform or not. The SAPS dress orders and other directives specifically prohibit police officers from shopping while in uniform, whether they are on or off duty and commanders at all level are compelled to enforce these orders.”
Amanzimtoti SAPS’ communication officer, Capt Charlene van der Spuy, commented on the matter. “Toti SAPS is aware of the security measures put in place by the various stores within our area and to date, we have fortunately not received any complaints from the stores pertaining to co-operation from police members visiting these stores,” she said.
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