S. African police on high alert after robbery spree

A spree of shopping mall robberies in Cape Town have dampened the festive mood and put police on high alert, authorities said Thursday.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) offered prompt assistance and thwarted some robberies in cooperation with most of the malls and shopping complexes' management, said the Western Cape Community Safety, a local anti-crime organization.

"I condemn in the strongest possible way the latest incidents of mall robberies which have occurred today across Cape Town," said Dan Plato, who is in charge of security in Western Cape Province, where Cape Town is located.

The past few days have seen a sharp increase in mall robberies across Cape Town. Wednesday alone saw several separate heists targeting malls and shops, according to police.

An attempted robbery at the city's Vangate Mall was thwarted by security guards on Wednesday morning. At the same time, four men robbed a cash-in-transit security guard at a crowded mall, about 15 kilometers south of the downtown area.

In the third incident, two men tried to hold up a business at an Athlone shopping mall but were stopped by security guards and patrolling officers.

The latest incidents were reminiscent of 2014 when the Western Cape saw an increase in robberies at various shopping malls and complexes across the province.

Also on Thursday, the SAPS denied a hoax media report which claims that police stations will be closed on December 25 and December 31 -- the Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

The report has caused panic among the public at a time when violent crimes, including robbery, burglary and hijacking, are on the rise.

In response, the SAPS vowed to intensify its efforts to ensure that peace and safety during South Africa's festive season.

"Countrywide operations were launched several weeks ago and there is no doubt that our communities have witnessed the heightened police visibility," the SAPS said. Endit