Dis-Chem Kolonnade

I have been supporting Dis-Chem at Kolonnade for probably 10 years. Yesterday, I went there to get the usual. However, certain cosmetic areas were barred, yet other nail products are available. I took a nailwhite pencil, cutex and emery board from the barred Essence stand and thought to enquire once I get to the paypoint whether I may purchase the items together with all my other purchases. The nailwhite pencils are not blister packed and I have purchased them many times before where the lead was broken. I dis not want to put the 3 items in my trolley since it slips through the bars so I put it in my handbag by my purse to enquire once I get to the paypoint. While the lady at the till started ringing up my purchases another customer walking past me, plastic bag tore and her items spilled out on the floor. I immediately bent down to assist and tried to save the broken bottle of Coryx syrup that broke in the process. My till lady went to get anti bacterial wipes at the door so I can clean my hands, but I used it to clean the floor since it is in the pathway between tills where people pass to the door. With all this commotion and the other personal burdens on my mind, I completely forgot about the 3 items in my purse. After paying my purchases I tried to leave, but a Security lady asked me to move into the nail salon and immediately I remembered the items and felt foolish. I packed out my whole handbag and explained the situation to her, but she called a manager and I was escorted to an upstairs office whilst they reviewed their tapes. I have explained the situation and that it was not my intent to ***** the items amounting to R87. I have begged and pleaded, but was treated like a ******** and the police was called. I was taken and processed at the police station for the rest of the day and kept in a holding cell for hours - I now have a ******** record against me for shoplifting.

I can understand that the Dis Chem staff are doing their jobs, but they treated me like a ******** and caused me so much emotional damage. They showed zero compassion and I am shocked and humiliated beyond belief.

I acknowledge that it was my own stupidity for putting it in my bag, but I have never in my life ****** anything. I have so much emotional stress already after we have been informed we are being retrenched and have only received 40% of my normal salary due to the Covid lockdown. I have however purchased items to the value of R1 500 and adding R87 to it, would not have made any difference. Dis-Chem's employees are cold, distant and have no understanding or compassion for their customers. I am deeply humilated and disappointed after all the years of loyalty to them.