Mother uses child to steal at local shopping mall

A VIDEO of a mother distracting a shop owner at Urban Boutique in Westwood Mall while her child steals from the shop has gone viral on social media. The video shows the mother busy shopping at the clothing outlet while her under-aged son is being coached to steal. He waits for an opportunity then quickly runs to the back of the counter after his first attempt failed. His second attempt is successful and he steals the shop owner’s cellphone and make-up.

The mother then tells the shop owner that she needed to draw some money to pay for items she picked. She leaves the items on the counter and promises to return with the cash, but never does. The incident was filmed on CCTV cameras on 11 January, however, only recently surfaced online.

Westwood Mall’s marketing manager, Ivana Pillay confirmed a case of theft was opened however refused to comment any further.

“As per our mandate any comment for publication must be approved by our landlord and this will not be possible by 1pm today,” said Pillay.

Acting station commander, Lt Col J Sikhosana confirmed a case of theft was opened at Westville SAPS. He said a similar incident was discussed in the station’s crime combating forum meetings and the station’s communications officer has been tasked to sensitize local businesses in Westville area. Photos of the wanted woman will be circulated once authorised by court.

Meanwhile, the video sparked outrage in communities. People were angered that this woman taught and used her children to steal from shops. Some have even called for the under-aged child to be taken away from the mother while she is dealt with appropriately.

In March 2015 a similar video was trending on social media. The CCTV footage captured (what appears to be) a six year old boy attempting to steal cellphones while a woman, presumed to be his mother, distracts the tellers.

Here are some of the comments from Facebook.

Ahmed Abdul wrote: “Pathetic. Instead of sending kids to school and educating them, you are making them thieves from now on.”

Cynthia Naidoo wrote: “Hey lady. You will look slutty in that lingerie that you didn’t even want to buy with money you didn’t even have… that’s a modus operandi.. and your kids are your mini crooks.”

Mahesh Visram wrote: “That @#*@* must have those kids removed from her custody and have her hands broken.”

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