Cars reportedly stolen during Mall of Africa launch

A number of cars were reportedly stolen near the Mall of Africa in Midrand on Thursday during during its massive launch.

Comments on social media put the number of vehicles stolen at 13, while some said that number was as high as 30.

“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,” the mall’s management said in a statement on Thursday night.

The exact details of the incidents were not confirmed, the Star newspaper reported.

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

The mall’s authorities said that a police crisis team is employed and stationed at the mall, while 42 additional members of the police service would be on patrol during the first week of the launch.

Joburg metro police department (JMPD) spokeswoman Inspector Edna Mamonyane told the Star that there were no reports of the alleged thefts.

“We advise motorists to check if their vehicles were towed away,” she said.

The mall’s opening caused severe traffic delays on the N1, while the complex itself was forced to temporarily close its booms in the morning due to high volumes.

Similar reports of vehicle theft occurred during the opening of the Makro in Brakpan on 20 April. It is believed that 12 cars were reported stolen on the opening day.

More on the Mall of Africa

Mall Of Africa causes Joburg traffic nightmare

This is how many shopping malls are in South Africa

A look at the Fourways “mega-mall” planned for 2018

Most expensive shopping centres in South Africa vs the world

SA has the 6th highest number of shopping malls in the world