Couple trapped in Ballito Bay Mall lift

A couple were trapped in an elevator at Ballito Bay Mall for over an hour on Wednesday before anyone came to their rescue.

On Wednesday afternoon a woman, who asked to remain anonymous, phoned the Courier in a panic, stating that she and her partner were stuck in one of the glass lifts and despite their attempts to attract the attention of other shoppers their plight had gone unnoticed.

We rushed over to raise the alarm and as we arrived the rescue operation had just begun.

Thanks to the efforts of a few security guards, cleaners and fellow shoppers, the elevator doors were eventually forced open with crowbars, releasing the trapped couple.

The rescued woman also claimed that someone else had been stuck in the same elevator for two hours earlier that day.

“Where was the mall manager when we needed help? And why was an ‘out of order’ notice not put on the elevator door?’ asked the traumatised woman.

Eris Property Group’s Regional Manager, Debby Kippen stated the elevator service provider, KONE, worked on the elevator on Tuesday, November 4 and on Wednesday.

The incident allegedly happened shortly after they left the premises. She said the service provider has ordered a spare part that needs to be replaced and the elevator should be up and running today.

“We really regret the traumatic experience experienced by the customers”, said Kippen and emphasised that everything possible will be done to ensure that this incident does not happen again.

Maybe take the stairs instead…