Warning to one group of people visiting shopping malls in South Africa
Fidelity Services Group has urged parents and caregivers to remain vigilant when visiting shopping malls and other public venues.
The private security group warned that busy environments can create opportunities for children to become separated from their families or exposed to crime.
The security company said the winter holiday period typically brings an increase in visits to shopping centres, cinemas, restaurants, parks and entertainment venues.
While these offer families a chance to spend time together, they also present safety challenges due to larger crowds, multiple access points and the distractions that often come with busy public spaces.
According to Fidelity Services Group, child safety should be part of the planning process before families leave home, rather than being considered only once they arrive at a venue.
The warning comes amid ongoing concerns about crime affecting children in South Africa. The South African Police Service (SAPS)’s latest crime stats showed that children continue to be victims of assault and attempted harm across the country.
Additionally, kidnapping remains a significant concern, with the SAPS data showing a substantial increase in reported kidnapping cases over the past decade.
Many kidnappings in the country are linked to opportunistic criminal activity rather than targeted abductions.
However, Fidelity noted that children between the ages of five and 15 can be particularly vulnerable in crowded public environments where supervision may be reduced.
“School holidays should be a time for families to relax and create positive memories together, but it is essential that safety remains a priority,” said Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group.
“From a guarding perspective, we understand how quickly situations can escalate in busy public environments. By taking a few simple precautions and remaining aware of their surroundings, parents can significantly reduce potential risks.”
Fidelity said one of the biggest challenges during peak holiday periods is the combination of crowd density and complex environments.
Safety tips
Shopping centres often have numerous entrances and exits, large open spaces and constant movement, making it easier for children to become separated from their caregivers without anyone noticing immediately.
The company noted that children are naturally curious and often eager to explore unfamiliar surroundings. Without clear boundaries and expectations, they can easily wander away during family outings.
Hattingh said security personnel regularly deal with incidents involving children who become separated from their caregivers, often during brief moments of distraction.
“Our guarding teams regularly respond to situations where children have simply wandered a short distance away from their caregivers,” she explained.
“In most cases, these situations are resolved quickly, but they serve as an important reminder of how vital it is to remain attentive, particularly in crowded environments.”
To reduce risks, Fidelity recommended that parents keep younger children within sight at all times and avoid allowing them to move around public spaces on their own.
Families should also identify a central meeting point in case they become separated and ensure children know what steps to take if that happens.
The company further encourages parents to teach their children awareness rather than fear, advising them to seek assistance from security personnel if needed.
Children should carry essential contact information, while younger children may benefit from identification bands or wearable tracking devices.
Other recommendations include visiting public venues during quieter periods when possible, limiting distractions such as excessive cellphone use while supervising children, and choosing venues with visible security measures and a guarding presence.
Hattingh stressed that child safety requires cooperation between families, venue operators and security providers.
“As a security provider operating across a wide range of public locations, we see firsthand how awareness and preparedness can help prevent incidents,” she said.
“Safety is not only about reacting to situations, but also about creating a culture of awareness where risks are identified early and managed effectively.”
Fidelity also encouraged parents to familiarise themselves with security desks, help points and emergency procedures at the venues they visit, and to report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
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