Customer alleges mistreatment at Wernhil Park

A customer sent an SMS to The Namibian Consumer alleging that he was beaten by an Omega Security Company guard this week at the Wernhil Park Shopping Centre in Windhoek. The customer preferred to remain anonymous.

The Namibian Consumer asked Roux-Che Locke, group manager at external relations at Ohlthaver List Group, which owns the shopping mall on the duties of the guards and what consumers must do if they feel aggrieved by the conduct of the guards.

NAMIBIAN CONSUMER (NC): What are the duties of the security guards at Wernhil?

ROUX-CHE LOCKE (RL): The basic duties of security guards is to protect the mall or property, it’s tenants and our esteemed shoppers. This protection would cover theft, vandalism and any other illegal activities prohibited under the law. Our guards patrol the property and ensure that they keep an eye on any suspicious behaviour and work closely with the CCTV operators who will also notify guards on post of any strange or erratic behaviour in their various areas, in order for them to apprehend suspects. All security officers are legally empowered to take any suspects into custody. If a suspect resist detention, the guards, under protocol of the Namibian law, may use minimum force to capture or detain the suspect.

(NC): What must customers do if they feel a guard has mistreated them?

RL: In any situation where the public feels they have been mistreated by a guard, the best is to bring the situation under the attention of centre management immediately.

(NC): Do you receive a lot of complaints on how guards treat customers?

RL: At Wernhil Park,we have not received any complaints about guards mistreating shoppers. As a matter of fact our current criminal incidences have been reduced by 20% since February 2014, considering that we have more than 1,3 million people visiting our centre on a monthly basis.

NC: What are the common crimes at Wernhil and what should customers do to protect themselves?

RL: Wernhil Park is not unique in that crime happens everywhere, even on street. Some of the most common crimes are pickpocketing and shop lifting. The crime of pickpocketing involves deception, distraction and speed and pickpockets often work in groups. They often target women and elderly people. Do not confront suspects. Rather bring it to the attention of the nearest security guard who will investigate and report any suspicious behaviour.

NC: Anything else that you wish to add?

RL: Remember that you can be a victim of crime anywhere. Do not resist or try to fight the criminals. Your life is worth much more than an cell phone or wallet.

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