The recent spate of armed robberies across several shopping malls in Durban has sparked renewed concerns about the rising crime rates in South Africa’s retail sector. The incidents, which unfolded over a matter of days, have underscored the critical need for stronger collaboration between retailers, mall owners, and law enforcement agencies to curb the surge in mall-related crime. The Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA) has been vocal about the urgency of tackling this issue, advocating for enhanced partnerships to better secure shopping environments and protect both employees and customers.
One of the most alarming incidents occurred on Sunday at a jewellery store in Musgrave, where four suspects, masked and armed, stormed the premises, threatening staff and making off with an undisclosed sum of money and valuable items. Tragically, one employee was injured during the robbery. The suspects fled in a white VW Polo, which was later discovered to have false registration plates, complicating efforts to track down the perpetrators. Just hours later, another robbery took place at a cellphone store in the Cornubia area, where four armed men posed as customers before pulling out their weapons and demanding valuables from the staff. Again, the robbers escaped in a similar vehicle, highlighting a troubling pattern that has emerged in these incidents.
But the crime wave did not end there. On Thursday, a brazen armed robbery occurred at a mall in eManzimtoti, where several suspects, driving multiple vehicles, made off with fragrances, jewellery, and other valuables. As ET Rapid Response officers arrived on the scene, they were met with a barrage of gunfire, which damaged their vehicles. Fortunately, no officers were injured, but the shootout highlighted the growing danger faced by security personnel who are increasingly called upon to respond to high-risk situations. In this case, the suspects even stole a security guard’s body camera and communication equipment, further complicating the investigation.
In the wake of these violent crimes, the CGCSA’s Abraham Nelson has called for a more coordinated approach to security within malls. While retailers and shopping centre management already work together to implement crime prevention measures, Nelson emphasized that these efforts need to be intensified, with more active involvement from law enforcement and private security providers. He pointed to the successful E2 Project, which integrates the efforts of various stakeholders, as a model for how such partnerships can effectively address mall-related crimes. He also noted that mall owners and retailers must continuously review and strengthen their security measures throughout the year, not just during peak seasons, to ensure comprehensive protection against a wide range of security vulnerabilities, including armed robbery.
Nelson also highlighted a seasonal pattern in crime, where the crime rate typically declines during the festive period when the South African Police Service (SAPS) deploys additional resources as part of the Safer Festive Season campaign. However, as the new year progresses, these deployments are reduced, and crime levels in and around malls begin to rise again. This trend points to a systemic issue where, once resources are redeployed to address other types of crime, retail spaces become more vulnerable to criminal activity.
In response to the mounting concerns, Charnel Hattingh from Fidelity Services Group has advised that business owners and mall managers remain vigilant at all times. Regularly ensuring that CCTV systems are fully operational is crucial, as is the need for staff members to carry hidden panic buttons. This measure can provide an added layer of protection for employees, allowing them to quickly alert authorities in the event of an emergency. Hattingh also stressed the importance of reporting all crimes—or even attempted crimes—to the SAPS, so that law enforcement can build an accurate picture of crime trends and deploy resources where they are most needed.
While the rise in mall-related crime is undoubtedly worrying, it is also clear that a multi-faceted approach involving stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors, improved security infrastructure, and ongoing vigilance by business owners can help mitigate the risks. The current climate of crime serves as a stark reminder that the safety of customers, employees, and retailers should always be a top priority, and that collective action is essential in turning the tide against rising criminal activity.
