Mango airlines *****s from passengers

On a recent flight from Johannesburg to George with Mango, my husband and I each had carry-on bags only. An air hostess stopped us as we were about to enter the airplane and said I must put my carry-on to the side rather than take it onto the airplane with me. I asked why and was told that I had to do so as the airplane was full. A woman who was directly in front of us said that she didn't want to leave her baggage, but the air hostess physically blocked the tunnel into the airplane and said she had the right to deny entrance to the flight if we didn't comply. I left my bag, as did the other woman. My husband was not asked to leave his bag, curiously. I was not too concerned as there was nothing of value in my bag, I thought, and I had closed the zip with a cable tie. The zip tag and cable tie were at the bottom of the case as well. And FYI - the flight was not full.

When I collected my bag in George the first thing I noticed was that the cable tie had been removed and the zip tag was on the side and the bag was open about 2 or 3 cm. I searched through my bag but found nothing missing until the next day when I couldn't find my perfume. It had been ******. It was French perfume that is not available outside of France.

I contacted customer care with my complaint and received the following mail from Shakira:

"Kindly note, we requested both Airports investigates what transpired on the day you travelled. We can therefore advise that as per the findings of both airports, no irregularities and discrepancies were determined or recorded. Please be advised that Mango condemns all acts of dishonesty and we can testify that all incidences of theft is communicated with airport role players and other airlines. New methods to curb and decrease such wrongdoings are always being considered and implemented. With reference to our booking terms and conditions of carriage; Mango regrettably does not offer any compensation for any discrepancies or losses to passengers' baggage whether removed at the aircraft door or stowed in the cabin."

Despite the fact that I was drawing attention to an irregularity, they disputed that there had been any. And how convenient that the crew can break into luggage and help themselves to the contents, and the customer has absolutely no recourse. It also seems that one cannot safely take anything of value on a Mango flight.

Tried contacting the CEO who has ignored my email. Dreadful, shoddy, dishonest service!