Minister Bheki Cele on security measures at retail centres

Police Minister satisfied about security measures at retail centres reopening for business following failed insurrection

Police Minister, General Bheki Cele on Monday 19 July 2021, visited businesses and shopping complexes in Durban and Pietermaritzburg, affected by widespread looting, during last week’s campaign of violence in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

The Minister met with the managements of the Liberty Mall in Pietermaritzburg as well as the Pavilion and Gateway Malls in Durban, who provided him with a security plan the retail centres have put together in conjunction with the South African Police Service.

The three retail centres came under attack from looters last week, but members of the SAPS speedily contained the volatile situation and together with private security, continued to gaurd the shopping complexes to prevent further violence and looting.

While all three malls are currently open only for essential shopping, the retail centres will be fully operational within the coming days as per their respective security plans.

Meanwhile in Durban, Minister Cele joined security forces in the city’s business district as they responded to tip-offs from community members on the whereabouts of suspected stolen property, looted during last weeks unrests in the province.

Cele says recovering of stolen property will be the order of the day in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng and all suspected looted goods will be placed at various police evidence storage facilities.

“We are thankful for communities who keep on providing information that can assist police and we also commend people that are voluntary surrendering the stolen goods and must continue to do so, but those who choose to keep these stolen ware in their homes are being warned that the law will not have mercy on you.” – Cele concluded.

Source: Government of South Africa