Shoppers’ safety a priority – Bedford Centre
Speaking to the NEWS, shoppers were divided in their opinions relating to the matter.
The Bedford Centre thanked its customers for the continued support after a cash-in-transit heist shook the centre on January 29.
The centre took to Facebook to assure shoppers that safety remains a priority.
“We would like to advise our customers and the general public, that the Bedford Centre is open for business. We wish to assure everyone that safety remains our number one priority. To this end, additional security measures are being undertaken as soon as possible, to ensure that such an attack does not happen again,” read the post.
Speaking to the NEWS, shoppers were divided in their opinions relating to the matter.
Ms Mpho Moloto said, “I love the centre and the only time I will stop shopping and dining here will be the day I move from Johannesburg. The heist shocked me and I was shaken, but I woke up the next day and went for breakfast with friends at the centre.”
Another shopper commented on the mall’s post, questioning the state of security.
“My family and I went for breakfast and while we were eating, a cash-in-transit guard walked right past us after having collected cash. We then walked through to another store and saw SBV guards coming out of the ATMs by Pick n Pay. Both times we were so stressed out that eventually we left because we felt unsafe. When is this going to stop and why hasn’t it stopped already?” read the post.
The centre issued a statement on the day of the shooting, vowing to review the cash-in-transit feature and to subsequently remove it from public spaces.
“Management is proud of Bedford’s security record and we wish to assure our customers and tenants that security has, and will always, be a priority,” said the centre.
Another shopper said, “Sometimes I think even tighter security will make perpetrators like these even more brazen and violent. Until our government cracks down on crime, crimes like these will continue, no matter the security measures in place. I will not let these criminals rule my life. I was back the next day.”
Seven people, including two suspects, were injured at the centre when a shoot-out ensued between SBV guards and robbers.
The two were placed under arrest and are under police guard in hospital.
The Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, said a manhunt for the suspects at large is currently underway.
The suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
