Yesterday saw the opening of the Mall of Africa in Midrand, Jozi. The event witnessed scores of people take off work to arrive at the location early – I mean like 4am early – to “camp” for the opening sales from each outlet.

At 11am, the mall had to close its booms as it was packed to capacity. So, people parked where they could in an effort to get more more more.

The Mall of Africa then reported the following:

While today held much excitement with the launch of the incredible Mall of Africa in Waterfall City, there were some unfortunate incidents of car theft reported. The cars stolen were all parked on roads and areas near the mall but not in designated mall parking areas.

A comprehensive emergency response procedure was implemented and the police were notified immediately.

The police will only release figures once the incident report has been fully processed.

Management then urged shoppers to park only in designated parking areas, where there was full security employed:

There is also a full police crisis team employed and stationed at the mall, with 42 additional members of the police service patrolling the mall for the week of the launch.

However, Joburg metro police department (JMPD) spokeswoman Inspector Edna Mamonyane said they did not have any reports of the alleged thefts and suggested that the vehicles might have been towed away as they were parked illegally. Could this be the work of a new syndicate?

We advise motorists to check if their vehicles were towed away. Motorists whose cars are missing should go to the JMPD’s offices on the corner of Loveday and Village roads in Selby.

Interesting, no? With sales of up to 70% no wonder the masses were out to swipe.

[source: iol]