Customers distressed after shops close early at Birch Acres Mall

The Birch Acres Mall shops and banks were closed on March 27 after customers fought with the security guards.

Customers came in numbers early in the morning to buy essentials before the Covid-19 lockdown, but some were turned away when the shops closed earlier than planned.

Norkem Park police spokesperson Sgt Johana Madiga said: “The shops were closed because there were many people who were about to stampede when they were told that SPAR and Roots were going to be closed.”

Only a certain number of customers were allowed inside.

“Customers were adhering to the rules. It was only when they were told that the shops were closing because of the high volume of customers, since it was contravening the rules,” said Madiga.

She said the EMPD and SAPS were called as backup when the customers started fighting with the security guards.

“After intervention by law officers, the customers dispersed. The managers were also complying with the rules,” said Madiga.

“All the stores had gloves, masks and sanitisers. Only 15 to 20 people were allowed inside the shops. The queues were also monitored,” said Madiga.

One of the customers, Thulane Mabotja, said he was worried because he needed to buy food.

“We adhered to every rule. I have been here since eight in the morning and now it is late, but still I did not manage to buy any groceries. I don’t understand why they had to close the shops today of all days,” said Mabotja.

The managers from SPAR and Roots said they do not talk to the media, hence no comment was received.