Joburg Market beefs up security measures

On Tuesday, 24 November 2009, at around 2.25pm, a few hours after the fresh produce trade was closed, 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, while a second was traced back to the George Goch hostel on Wednesday but shot dead by police. A third person has since been arrested.

Chief Executive Officer of Joburg Market, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, in a statement assured tenants and buyers that they would ensure the market facility became difficult to penetrate, so that criminals will steer clear from attacking it.

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.

The market is also implementing a new CCTV system.

Other security measures include vehicle and passenger screening at the entrances to the premises, the deployment of both metro police and South African Police Services members at the market, roadblocks and searches in and around the market and City Deep area, the immediate installation of spike barriers at the entrance and exit points and working with tenants on implementing improved security plans.

Explaining the new security measures, Ramokgopa said these exercises were just a start of a series of measures that would be undertaken in conjunction with state law enforcement agencies, private security agency, tenants and big commercial operators in the market.

“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.

He further conveyed his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and has beefed up security measures to guarantee people safety.

The Joburg Market sees about 8000 to 9000 buyers daily and hosts numerous businesses dealing in a variety of goods.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews