The newly-opened multi-million pula Rail Park Mall near Gaborone Bus Rank has been hit by conmen masquerading as shop managers offering employment to job seekers.
Botswana Police Deputy Commissioner-Public Relations, Christopher Mbulawa, has expressed concern about the rising number of reported cases of obtaining by false pretences since the mall was opened two weeks ago. Mbulawa said the police warning follows a series of incidents of cheating by tricksters operating at the mall who fake job interviews with unsuspecting job seekers only to flee with their possessions in the process of the so called interviews.
“Who would hire you operating in an empty store and empty office spaces?” said Mbulawa.
He revealed that people lost laptops, expensive cell phones and cash to the conmen after declarations and the ultimate surrendering of items as a requirement for the interviews.
He stated that the Botswana Police has always been giving criminal justice system efficiency in Botswana top priority. He also raised concern about the increasing rate of criminal activities around the country which has been affecting the country’s business sector and individuals.
Mbulawa warned against street job interviews which he said are a recipe for cheating and advised people looking for jobs at the Rail Park Mall to consult before committing their time and possessions to potential employers. He also urged the public not to respond to unsolicited business propositions or offers from people that they are unfamiliar with.
“We have long warned people to be vigilant all the time,” said Mbulawa.
The mall will accommodate, among others, Choppies grocery store, Food Lovers, some restaurants, Clicks and some space for offices. The construction and full operation of the mall has been hailed as a significant project that will complement Botswana’s employment creation and economic diversification efforts.
It is located at the heart of the city centre, near the busiest bus rank in the country, which is used by a lot of motorists and individuals.
Rail Park Mall, a brainchild of BR Properties, is a partnership among the Botswana Insurance Fund Management (Bifm), Eris Property and Treddinick, a Private Public Partnership (PPP).
The official opening of the mall is scheduled for November 2011. Many stores have already occupied their space and await trading licenses.
