The security guard who stole R4 million at the Mall of Africa was seen in Soweto around December. Bathobile Mlangeni was employed by SBV security company. Sometime in July 2019, she allegedly disappeared with cash amounting to R4 million at Mall of Africa in Midrand.
CCTV footage shows Mlangeni pushing a trolley with full refuse bags. Police and her former employer SBV believe the refuse bags were loaded with cash and not garbage. It is reported that she was on duty at a SBV office at Mall of Africa. It is alleged that she cut open cash bags with pair of scissors before stuffing the cash into refuse plastic bags.
Neighbours who were interviewed by Sowetanlive revealed that they saw Mlangeni at her home where her mother lives in December. It was also revealed that she was seen at her sister’s wedding in December. The neighbours had not heard about the robbery allegations. The neighbours are shocked to hear that Mlangeni robbed her employer. “We know her from growing up. She grew up here and she was a nice girl,” said one of the neighbours.
One of the neighbours said Mlangeni is a hero in her area. “She did not steal anyone’s money. The money had already been collected from tenants. The money was insured. So everyone wins,” said one of the neighbours.
Meanwhile SBV Group Chief Executive Mark Barrett has called on the people of South Africa to help his company and the police to nab Mlangeni.
The family has not opened a missing person alert with the police. This has raised suspicions that the family might know where she is or the family is also part of the robbery. Asked if she had seen her daughter, her mother professed ignorance and said she has not seen her daughter since July 2919 when the case surfaced.