An alleged incident at Highveld Mall led to many unanswered questions regarding the safety of shoppers.
On Saturday, October 1 around 16:30, the two victims were in a grocery store in Highveld Mall. Ms Dennene White, one of the victims stated her side of the incident.
“I was in this store and a lady approached me and started talking to me. Three ladies were around me, one was talking, one was walking with a trolley and one was shopping, but the whole situation was very confusing. When my attention focused back on my trolley, I noticed that my handbag was gone, which I had left in my trolley. I then noticed another lady, running around the same store, saying ‘they took it, it’s gone’. We then went to the security outside the store and they really went out of their way to assist us. I think by the time the two of us realised what had happened, the three ladies were already gone,” White stated.
She added that she told the security guard that her car keys were also in her handbag, she does not have insurance or a set of spare keys, so White and the other victim was immediately taken to the underground parking with the security guards. The car was still there and the guards suggested that they should clamp the wheels.
“They assured me that my car will be safe for the night. Never did they leave our side, except when the other victim went into the ladies bathroom to see if she can find anything. I phoned my husband and we went home, and around 05:30 the next morning, we received a call from a homeless man. He said that he had found our belongings in a dustbin at the Highland Mews Shopping Centre. When we asked him how he found us, he said that he saw business cards and the medical aid card, put one and one together and phoned us. My car keys, my driving license, identity book, bank cards and most of my belongings were in the dustbin. As well as the belongings of the other victim,” White continued.
According to White, the other victim said that only two of her bank cards were still missing and White’s handbag, cell phone and a new purse was not in the dustbin.
“The security at the mall never left my side. They assisted us in every way and also went through the video footage. They worked on the incident for roughly two days. I was not drugged, during the incident and I can not confirm anything about the other victim,” White concluded.
Highveld Mall was contacted for feedback and had this to say about the incident:
“We are aware of the alleged incident and have, as always, completed a thorough investigation. In all instances and all walks of life, everyone should remain exceptionally aware that fraud and scams are rife. Always remember the old adage, ‘if it is too good to be true, then it usually is’.”
Our readers are also urged to be extra careful when doing shopping. More than one published story has been crime-related and by closing your handbag, not leaving it in your trolley while shopping and keeping valuables out of sight, might decrease your chances of being the next victim.
ALSO READ:
Two men busted for card cloning
Suspect caught on camera for ATM fraud and theft
