A Midrand businessman has alleged that nothing was done to assist him after two batteries were stolen off his truck at a shopping centre.
Jongug Lee claimed that on 9 October, his truck driver went to San Ridge Square to get change at a bank. Upon returning from the bank, he noticed that the truck’s batteries had been stolen.
Lee said the driver had been gone for about 20 minutes before he returned to the truck. “He started the truck, but it would not start,” added Lee. “Upon checking if anything was wrong with the truck, he found that the truck’s two batteries were stolen and cables were cut.”
Lee said he was frustrated that he and his truck driver were apparently not assisted by the management nor security personnel of the shopping centre.
“After calling the complex manager and reporting the matter, he told me it was not his responsibility and that I should go report the matter at the police station,” claimed Lee.
“He did not even come to the [shopping] complex to sort the issue out, I knew about opening a case and I did. I also expected to see the camera footage or at least get help from the security guard to hear if they saw anything.”
In response, operations manager at the shopping centre, Frikkie Hetzel, claimed that when Lee phoned him, he was in a management meeting and advised him that he would ask their security company to investigate and they did.
“The driver parked the truck where there are no car guards or security patrolling. We couldn’t see something on the CCTV footage because of the area where he parked,” said Hetzel.
He added that they were working on upgrading their crime prevention systems. “We take crime very serious and that is why we installed cameras.
“We are going to upgrade the camera system and instal a new fence.
He added, “We are aware of the crime increases and we can see it at our other buildings. We have a good track record at San Ridge and we do our best to keep our customers safe. “This incident was, unfortunately, the first one in months. Our security company trains their staff on a weekly basis, and the police can confirm this as we speak on a weekly basis.”
Midrand Police Station confirmed that a case regarding the incident had been opened. Spokesperson Sergeant Matome Tlamela said, “The suspect is unknown and no one has been arrested yet. The police are busy with the investigations.”
Details: Midrand Police Station 011 347 1600; San Ridge Square 012 665 1310.
