Speaking after his State of the Province Address, Lesufi revealed that law enforcement agencies will be deployed to Sandton City, Mall of Africa, and Menlyn Maine as part of a dedicated safety programme kicking off on 1 June 2026.
Why the Malls?
The reasoning is practical. Lesufi noted that many professionals only leave work around 19:00, after which they would like to shop. However, malls often close earlier than consumers would preferbecause of crime concerns.
“These shopping malls must be safe areas where people can go at any time without any problem of crime,” Lesufi said.
The programme will include:
-
Visible policing in and around the malls
-
Roadblocks in the surrounding areas
-
Plainclothes officers inside the malls
A Phased Rollout
Sandton City and Mall of Africa will be the first to receive the enhanced security measures from 1 June. Menlyn Maine will follow thereafter.
Lesufi explained that the project will be monitored for effectiveness, with plans to expand to other shopping malls in the province based on learnings from the first phase.
The Crime Context
The intervention comes as shopping malls have increasingly become hotspots for criminal activity across South Africa. High foot traffic and crowded spaces create opportunities for syndicates and petty thieves alike.
In 2025, Gauteng saw several high-profile incidents:
-
Armed robberies at Cresta and Randridge Mall, where jewellery stores were targeted
-
A syndicate specifically targeting women at and around shopping malls for kidnapping
-
Rising vehicle crime in mall parking lots, with remote jamming becoming a common tactic
Vehicle tracking group Tracker confirmed that malls remain key hotspots, with hijackings peaking on Fridays between 15:00 and 22:00, and car thefts most common on Saturdays from 11:00 to 15:00.
A Broader Strategy
The mall safety initiative is part of a larger law enforcement push. Lesufi announced that nearly 10,000 traffic wardens have been designated as peace officers, creating a multiplier force to assist the police.
“We are clear that to grow the economy of Gauteng, we must defeat crime, corruption, and lawlessness,” he said in his address.
All municipalities have signed a memorandum of understanding to share resources in the fight against crime.
The latest crime statistics offer some encouragement: murder decreased by 11% year-on-year, and property-related crime recorded a 7.8% decrease.
The Bottom Line
For shoppers at Sandton City, Mall of Africa, and Menlyn Maine, the message is clear: from June, you can shop late without looking over your shoulder. For Gauteng’s economy, the calculation is equally straightforward. A safe shopping environment is a thriving shopping environment.
Lesufi’s gamble is that visible policing will deter criminals and reassure consumers. If it works, the programme will expand. If it doesn’t, the province will have to go back to the drawing board.
The first test begins 1 June.
