‘Predictable’ spike in organised crime looming over festive season, says criminologist

"What one tends to see with us most South Africans needing more cash and the build up to the festive season you have to buy various things also around a lot of entertainment and leisure around this time."  

Lamb, who is attached to Stellenbosch University, has been commenting after two jewellery stores at the Pavilion mall in Westville were hit by armed robbers on Sunday.  

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They killed police sergeant Riyadh Adams before making their getaway. 

"When we are looking specifically at organised crime which is the robbery of jewllery stores, this is a group of individuals who are together and have specialised tools to break and who have some experience and know-how,” says Lamb. 

"From a stock point-of-view a lot of jewellery stores would most likely be acquiring stock in the build up to Christmas you ate then going to buy more than they would buy during the rest of the year. Also these jewellery shops properly are stocking some cash as well."