Cape Gate Mall - Security Officers

Cape Gate, Cape Town, 25 June 2020

I went to buy sheets, duvet inners, covers and sheets; I was with a friend. We paid and left the store. We left the store, ran few errands and left. By the parking lot, we were then approached by a security officer and called us in for questioning, in their offices.

As we walked towards their offices, we were joined by one more security officer. Upon arrival at the security offices, we were joined by one more officer. Now, there were three security officers. One of them asked that we wait for the supervisor in the waiting area. As I peeped, I noticed that there were people locked inside (likely alleged shoplifters), and I refused to wait in there and decided to wait outside instead.

The security officers clearly didn't like my suggestion and started to raise his voice at me, using ************ and foul language in an attempt to pursuade us to go in. One security officer verbally abusing me, the other verbally assaulted me by repeatedly poking me with his finger on my left shoulder. As a well trained military officer, I did my best to calm down and contain myself. I formally introduced myself and asked them not to further harass us. I firmly stood my ground and gave my reasons for not waiting in there.

None of the officers:

1. Introduced themselves. 2. Explained the reason for being called up. 3. Displayed professionalism.

After numerous attempts to calm them down, the supervisor came. And we were taken in. The supervisor explained that they received a call from MrP home and they were told to keep an eye on us as we could potentially be dangerous. They then proceeded to verify the items bought and then we were "released". I took down the details from the supervisor and left the premises.

I purchase almost R900 of items in that store. And in less than an hour prior that, I bought around R400 worth of items at Mr Price Home N1 City. There was a specific duvet cover that wasn't available at N1 city, I was told I will find it at Cape Gate's Mr Price Home. I drove there and unfortunately they were just sold out.

I have been a loyal customer to Mr Price as a brand for years, and there was no excuse for them to call security on us and be mistreat like that. I spent my hard earned money (and trust me I buy at Mr Price) and still be treated like that. There is no form of justification to what both Mr Price and the security guard did.

Action Items: I will be returning the items I bought at that store, and I will be seeking legal advice from my team over this matter in private capacity. I no longer feel confident about buying at that mall and store again.