Durban - Pietermaritzburg shopping centres have increased their security for the festive season in anticipation of a spike in criminal activity.
But despite the enhanced safety, a gang of brazen armed robbers, got away with a large consignment of jewellery and cash after a five-minute heist on Tuesday at a jewellery store at the Liberty Midlands Mall.
The drama began at around 9am on Tuesday when the gang of four, all wearing maroon sweaters, surprised staff at Mayuri’s Jewellers.
According to a witness, the men stormed the shop and ordered the staff to deposit the jewellery into their bag.
The suspects then made off with the loot in a trolley through a side exit point, before fleeing in a white Audi.
General Manager for Liberty Midlands Mall Muhammad Varachia confirmed the incident saying mall security responded immediately to the alert and police were summoned.
“The Centre’s Security immediately responded to the scene and notified the South African Police Services,” said Varachia confirming that the mall was secured and continued trading as normal shortly after the incident.
“The safety and security of shoppers and tenants is of the utmost importance to Liberty Midlands Mall Centre We are working with the SAPS to assist with the investigation,” he added.
Police arriving at the scene embarked on an immediate search around the property to ensure that the shopping centre was secured. Detectives then sealed off the crime scene and began taking statements from traumatised staff.
The getaway vehicle was later recovered by security guards at the newly opened undercover parking at the neighbouring Cascades centre.
Security at the Cascades Mall identified the vehicle and summoned police. It appears the robbers parked the Audi at Cascades and then fled in another vehicle.
Cascades Centre Property Manager Michelle Chinnu praised the centre’s security company. She said since the start of the festive season, the centre had increased its security deployment to enhance consumer safety.
Other shopping centres around the city, including the Scottsville Mall, have also increased security for the festive season.
The Scottsville Mall property manager said they had always taken extra precautions during the festive season as they were aware of the risks that came with large number of shoppers in the mall.
Durban malls have also been targeted since the start of the festive season. Recently, a jewellery store at City View in Greyville was robbed. The suspects are still at large.