Plans are being put in place to ensure the safety of tenants and consumers at the Bellair shopping centre.

The newly opened shopping centre along Bellair Road has been hit by a wave of crime which is threatening to bring business to a stop. Now tenants and local police have closed ranks to come up with a plan to beef up security at the centre and ensure a safe and happy shopping experience for the community.

The crime wave has already forced one shop to close down and other businesses are threatening to do likewise if crime is not curbed. The owner of the Bellair Road liquor store, Preggie Govender, recently the victim of an armed robbery, told IZWI that the situation demanded strategies that go beyond relying on the local police.

At a meeting held recently to discuss the situation it was felt that tenants needed to close ranks to halt the crime wave, and they are considering setting up a small business watch patrol vehicle. "It is clear that the SAPS is understaffed and cannot deal with the crime situation to our satisfaction. We will be discussing the possibility of setting up a satellite station in our next meeting with them," said Preggie.

IZWI has been informed that the armed security was withdrawn due to cost and the fact that there were fears for his safety. Security consultant Sbu Xulu confirmed this by saying that too many armed security guards have been gunned down by criminals who are after their weapons.

The official opening of the Bellair retail centre took place on the 1st September 2000 amid a crowd of approximately 200 or so residents and tenants, balloons and music and a few speakers. Yet this centre is surrounded by not less than 5000-6000 residents. What went wrong? The day? Time? Publicity?

To begin with construction of surrounding roads was incomplete and hampered entry to the centre. All the space was not taken up - only the supermarket and a few shops were open for business. Does it mean all the shops need to be to open for business before the residents of Mayville, Cato Crest, Mkhumbane and Bonela come to realise that the centre is for their convenience? By shopping at the center you can save money because you don’t have to travel to town.

The Lucky Family Supermarket is fully stocked with your requirements. There are two doctors and two dentists where the sick and ailing can be treated right here at very reasonable prices. There is a liquor store to cater for your social functions and a butchery, and opening soon is a furniture store, hardware, clothes and TV & radio repairs, accident claims, beauty and hair salon and even a funeral parlor - all for your convenience.

Support needed
We at the Bellair retail centre need the support of the residents of Cato Manor. The shopping centre is an RDP project so it belongs to you. If you use the shopping centre regularly then it will thrive, but if you don’t support it then it will close down and you will be deprived of a convenience right next to your homes.

The centre is hygienic and can provide for all your needs - so support all the shops and services and gain a great deal.

Bellair Centre Tenants Association