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Police officers and emergency medical staff are tasked with protecting and assisting others while always upholding South Africa’s shaky legal system.
But some of these people do end up abusing this responsibility, going as far as to disregard laws and rules at times. However, a well-known Newcastle based shopping complex, Amajuba Mall, is tolerating none of it.
Recently a police officer illegally parked a state vehicle in the busy mall—parking on the driveway next to a redline. But unbeknown to the person, the quick to respond security guards knew what had to be done and when the officer returned, the vehicle had been clamped.
An image of the incident quickly went viral on social media.
The management of Amajuba Mall explains that the clamping of the state vehicle was simply a reflection of the mall’s rules and traffic laws. “The vehicle was parked next to a redline, in the driveway, interfering with the traffic flow. This is illegal and is something one learns about when going for your driver’s licence.”
Additionally, a day after the police vehicle was clamped, an ambulance decided to park in paraplegic parking at the mall. According to the mall’s management, the driver parked the van in the paraplegic parking bay before paying his bill at one of the retail stores.
Both the police officer and paramedic found themselves paying the mall’s penalty fee, which currently stands at R100.
According to management, it is critical to note that the fines raised benefit a worthy cause.
“We purchase wheelchairs with the money. If the wheelchair is needed by an individual, not only will the security guards fetch it for them, but they will push the person around the mall so they can do their shopping.”
Amajuba Mall Management
Similarly, the centre’s management emphasises that when security guards clamp a vehicle’s wheels, they are simply carrying out their duties. “The security guards are often abused, sworn at and they are just doing their jobs.”
With this in mind, shoppers are encouraged to follow traffic rules in the mall to avoid having their wheels clamped.
In addition, emergency personnel such as police officers and ambulances are reminded that they are not above the law but instead serve it. However, if they attend to an actual emergency at the centre, they can park wherever they need to, and the centre’s security will assist them as much as possible.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Share your views in the comment section below.
Image credit: Mndebele Thokozani Ntandoyenkosi
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3 Responses
Very commendable but attention and action should be given to the taxi drivers who stop whenever and wherever it suits them.
CONGRATULATIONS to the Security Guards…. Sterling job!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Commendable, this is how we as citisens should act towards those trespassing the law. Who and what you are should not exempt you.