MEDIA STATEMENT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 MARCH 2010

[15 March 2010. Fourways, Johannesburg] At approximately 04h00 on Sunday, March 14, an armed robbery took place at Cedar Square. 

Fifteen armed suspects in four vehicles entered the premises and held the centre's security guards at gunpoint and proceeded to target two stores, namely Dion Wired, an electronics stores, and Mankind, a clothing boutique.

The security controller immediately alerted Cedar Square's private armed response team, Fidelity Security, and the South African Police Services (SAPS).

The Fidelity private armed response vehicle arrived within five minutes and gave chase of the suspects, shooting at one of the vehicles resulting in the vehicle crashing. A suspect had been shot and is in a critical condition at a nearby hospital. Due to the rapid response of the centre's security team two other suspects from the vehicle were apprehended and the merchandise from this vehicle was recovered.

The centre was closed at the time of the robbery and there were no patrons on site.

SAPS arrived shortly after being notified and is currently investigating the incident.

For more information please contact Director Naidoo from the SAPS on 082 341 0575.

Issued by:  Karyn Theron, Purple Plumm Brand Communications, for and on behalf of Cedar Square Shopping Centre - 011 465 0910 / 082 376 4926 / karyn@purpleplumm.co.za.

Shave, spray and help save lives

Do you know somebody who has been touched by cancer? Would you like your workplace, school, place of worship or organisation to join in the fight against cancer by supporting the work of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA)?  CANSA is encouraging all South Africans to host a CANSA Shavathon event on Friday, 5 March 2010 or take part at their nearest shopping centre on Saturday 6^th March 2010.

"5 & 6 March 2010 are the days to celebrate shaven heads or colour-sprayed hair in our seventh annual CANSA Shavathon fundraising event happening in over 300 workplaces and 150 shopping centres across South Africa. By shaving or colour-spraying for the event, we show support and celebrate life with cancer survivors and we remember our loved ones who have lost their lives to cancer, " says Sue Janse van Rensburg, CANSA's CEO and a cancer survivor of over 25 years.

South Africans from all over the country, family and friends, workplace staff, visitors, clients and suppliers can shave or spray in a multitude of colours and show solidarity with a cancer survivor on 5 & 6 March for a R50 donation, children under 12 pay R25. Pledges can also be collected from family and friends to help raise funds for CANSA's wide-reaching service including prevention and education programmes, patient care and support in the form of 12 Interim Homes in the main metropolitan areas for out-of-town cancer patients, support centres that offer stoma and lymphoedema clinics, medical equipment hire, toll-free line and support to children and their families affected by cancer.

Friday, the 5^th of March, is devoted to in-house events, while the Saturday is used to stage public events at shopping centres in all nine provinces. CANSA Shavathon is also a wonderful team-building and nation-building opportunity - all for a great cause.

With the generous support of all South Africans, CANSA Shavathon 2009 set a benchmark that's going to be tough to beat - the response to Shavathon 2009 was incredible with over 200 workplaces and 137 shopping centres hosting events, while thousands flocked to the spray cans to participate in this fun event.  This event (managed by CANSA staff and volunteers) raised the most income to date since its inception, over R6 million of which 75% was directly provided to CANSA regions towards fighting cancer. 

Planning for Shavathon 2010 is well underway, and participants are in for some exciting new surprises. It promises to be the most exciting Shavathon ever. Visit CANSA Shavathon on Facebook for updates.

Please go to http://www.shavathon.org.za/ to register your workplace event and order your consumables by 26 February 2010. You can also support CANSA Shavathon on Saturday, 6 March 2010, at a shopping centre near you. For more information, please contact Margie Laubscher at 011 616 7662 or email shavathon@cansa.org.za. Help us fight cancer the Shavathon way! 

CANSA Shavathon Partners
First National Bank Volunteer Group, SABC 2 - CSI media partner, Wahl Clipper, Dawn Wing couriers, Newsclip Media Monitoring and Limegreen Online Design.

About Lillian Dube
Lillian Dube is an award-winning actress and comedian who has starred in a number of television and film productions.  She is especially well-known for her role as Sister Bettina in Soul City. Lillian was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2007 and went public soon thereafter to help spread awareness about cancer and to spread a message of hope.

About Mark Pilgrim
Mark Pilgrim is well-known for his accomplishments as a radio and television personality.  He is also a cancer survivor who was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the young age of 18.  This spread to his lungs and kidneys. He is a dedicated supporter of CANSA, in particular to help spread the message of early detection of men's cancers. 

About CANSA and CANSA Shavathon
This is the 7^th national CANSA Shavathon, independently managed by CANSA staff and volunteers for the second year. Losing one's hair is a common side-effect of chemotherapy - one form of treatment - so that is why shaving your head has become a symbolic gesture of support for cancer survivors. Colouring your hair has become an option for those who prefer not to shave.  CANSA Shavathon is being held in over 300 workplaces and organisations on 5^th March, and in 150 shopping centres on 6^th March 2010.

• CANSA's purpose is to lead the fight against cancer in South Africa by offering a unique and integrated service to the public and all people affected by cancer.  As a leading role-player in cancer research, the scientific findings and knowledge gained from our research are used to realign our health programmes as well as focus our watchdog initiatives to the greater benefit of the public.
• CANSA has more than 330 staff, 12 000 volunteers, 51 offices as well as 12 interim homes in the main cities for out-of-town cancer patients accessing treatment. CANSA runs a toll-free information service during office hours 0800 22 66 22. CANSA gives out free Cancer Coping kits in English, seSotho, isiZulu and Afrikaans. CANSA needs volunteers to assist in delivering their service in all communities as the incidence of cancer is rising and more South Africans are needed to get actively involved in the fight against cancer.
• CANSA is one of the largest contributors to cancer research in South Africa with over R4,5 million going to cancer research each year, with funds donated and earmarked for cancer research.

For more information, visit http://www.cansa.org.za/ or contact CANSA toll-free 0800 22 66 22 email: info@cansa.org.za.

For more information please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA or email: lbalona@cansa.org.za  or call 011 616 7662 or cell: 082 459 5230.

ENDS