Zero tolerance for teenage law breakers at mall

Sparks flew after the News broke the story of Krugersdorp teenagers shamelessly smoking and drinking publicly at a local shopping mall.

Shocked and outraged readers took to social media to give their views about the ‘out of control’ youth of Krugersdorp.

Some of the comments posted by readers on Facebook blames parents who do not discipline their children at homes while others agreed that parents are not to blame, but rather the bad influences of other children.

“Times have changed,” stated one reader while another commented on how many “good party days” he experienced at “the dam” back in the day.

Krugersdorp police picked up on the growing number of teenage girls going missing and a comment from one reader, Eileen Bothma Parau, highlighted the fact that it seems that if rebellious teenage girls do not get their way, they chose to rather run away from home.

Key West Shopping Mall, Marketing Manager, Michelle Papastefanou said they do not promote or condone underage drinking, the use of drugs or public misbehaviour.

“It is not acceptable behaviour in any community but is a clear reflection of a part of the community itself,” said Papastefanou.

It would seem that the underage drinking is not the only problem the mall faces as children have been spotted doing drugs publicly in and around the centre.

Anything from dagga bought at the taxi rank or cat and crystal meth taken in the bathrooms are the preferred drugs believed to be going around among the youngsters.

“Key West does not, under any circumstance, condone such behaviour nor any transgression of the Law. We have a close relationship with the CPF and the police who conduct regular random patrols in order to curb such behaviour and especially when there is a concert. We have high-tech camera surveillance in place as well as additional security staff at all our concerts/ functions,” explains Papastefanou.

Numerous reports state that parents drop their children off at Key West for the night with their friends and often with a substantial amount of money, leaving them to do as they please.

“Our policy for any suspected underage transgressors are that the individual is calmly and respectfully removed from the venue. The alcoholic beverage is confiscated and then visibility disposed and the next of kin of the individual is contacted. In serious situations we involve the police.”

The mall has clear disclaimers/ terms and policies displayed all around the mall which clearly state ‘no alcohol permitted’ outside of the licensed restaurants, regardless of age.

Another problem is that children as young as 14 and 15 years, and even younger, are doing drugs, nevertheless drinking and smoking.

“Parents are urged to ensure that their children are made aware of the centre’s rules and regulations.

“We also urge that all attendees of the performances/ shows, come and enjoy within the spirit of the event and do not tarnish fellow visitor’s experience by unlawful or ill behaviour. Key West will continue to present these shows as a community event for all to enjoy. We trust that all who do attend, will respect their fellow attendees as well as the property and personnel of the Centre.”

Another issue causing great concern which is has come to the news’ attention since the first article appeared on 20 March, is that mall surroundings are being used as a playground for local troublemakers to meet to brawl it out among rivalries.

“Key West will adopt a zero tolerance implementation of all rules governing behaviour in the centre and facilities. We advise parents of children attending shows or making use of the facilities that full force of the law will be used to deter such behaviour in future,” concludes Papastefanou.