Shopper safety important in time for holiday crowds

On September 21, four masked men (Somali militant group known as Al-Shabaab) attacked the upscale Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi using grenades and assault rifles. At least 67 people were killed in the four-day siege.

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Following the terrorist attack on Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi, Kenya, major shopping malls and stores in South Africa are now gearing up for increased safety precautions ahead of the festive season.

Operational demands to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all shoppers need to increases as the higher foot traffic heralds the return of the festive season. Security is paramount and being prepared for extreme situations is part of mall planning.

“Firearm attacks in shopping centres are an unfortunate global concern, with incidents occurring in the United States, Canada, Finland, and most recently in Kenya,” South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC) CEO Amanda Stops says.

On September 21, four masked men attacked the upscale Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi using grenades and assault rifles. At least 67 people were killed in the four-day siege. The Somali militant group known as Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the assault.

Stops said shopping centres began preparations for the festive season months in advance. These included keeping communicating lines open with the nearest police station, and establishing details of how law enforcers would respond to a crisis, she said.

"Having detailed centre floor and layout plans enables centre management to aid police, staff, and shoppers in the event of an incident."

She said the country strived to follow international best practice in dealing with security risks. In the event of a firearm attack, shopping centre management would first alert the police and other emergency services.