Concern about bag search policy at Edgars Zevenwacht

Dear Edgars,

I recently visited your store at Zevenwacht on 21/12/2024 and had an unsettling experience. As I was exiting the shop, I was informed that I needed to have my handbag searched as per your store's policy.

However, I was not informed about this policy before making my purchase or at any point during my visit. The policy was displayed, but I only became aware of it after being asked to undergo the search.

Furthermore, I've done some research and found that searching customers' handbags without their consent or reasonable suspicion may be ******** in South Africa.

As a customer, I am protected by various laws and regulations, including:

- The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA), which promotes fairness, transparency, and accountability in business practices. - The Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA), which safeguards customers' personal information and privacy. - The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which enshrines the right to dignity, privacy, and freedom from unreasonable searches.

I'm concerned that your store's policy may be infringing on customers' rights to privacy and dignity. I would appreciate it if you could clarify your policy on searching customers' bags and ensure that it aligns with South African laws and respects customers' rights.

I hope you'll take my concerns seriously and take necessary steps to address this issue.

Sincerely, Aurora Krotoa Moses Human Rights Defender