2009-11-30:Joburg Market beefs up security measures
Stricter security measures and procedures have been implemented with immediate effect at the Joburg Market following Tuesday’s fatal robbery.
Three men entered the Market premises and robbed a tenant whom they shot and killed. One of the robbers was wounded and has been arrested. A second one was shot dead by police at George Goch hostel on Wednesday and a third person has subsequently been arrested. Their vehicle was also seized.
The robbery took place around 14h45, a few hours after the fresh produce trade was closed. The Joburg Market fresh produce commission trade is open from 05h30 to 11h00.
Joburg Market CEO, Kgosientso Ramokgopa conveyed his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and has beefed up security measures to guarantee people safety.
"We regret the loss of life and pass our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased. We wish to assure our tenants and buyers that we shall be relentless in ensuring that our Market facility becomes too hard to penetrate, so that criminals will steer clear from attacking”, said Ramokgopa.
Joburg Market held two separate briefings with officials from the South African Police Services (SAPS) and Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to review Tuesday’s robbery and reinforce security measures.
New security measures include conducting regular security drills with staff and the security guards in order to improve response times. Additional armed security patrols have been deployed within the premises.
Other measures include:
Vehicle and passenger screening at the entrances to the premises.
Deployment of JMPD and SAPS at the Market.
Roadblock and searches in and around the Market and City Deep area.
Immediate installation of spike barriers at the entrance and exit points.
Working with tenants on implementing improved security plans.
Explaining the new security measures, Ramokgopa said these exercises are just a start of the series of measures that the Market will undertake in conjunction with state law enforcement agencies, private security agency, tenants and big commercial operators in the Market.
The Joburg Market sees about 8000 – 9000 buyers daily. The complex hosts a multitude of businesses dealing in a variety of goods and has a plethora of security measures to ensure maximum safety for buyers. However, as no one can guarantee foolproof security, the market is training its staff and service providers to be on high alert for suspicious looking people.
“We believe spontaneous action by our staff and tenants in terms of alerting the authorities will help in curbing crime incidents,” said Ramokgopa.
The Market is implementing a new CCTV system including the installation of more cameras to improve technical security system.
“We are confident that the measures we’ve put in place are up to standard to ensure that the Market premises are at all times safe and secure for our customers, traders and all market users”, said Ramokgopa.
For further information:
Contact: Charles Hamilton
Cell: 079 774 5974
Email: chamilton@jfpm.co.za
