Montecasine - What an insult! False accusation!

At about 10h00 on Tuesday morning (19th March 2019) I was sitting at one of their 2 cent machines when a man approached me for some help. He asked me for R100.00 for fuel to get home and draw some money. He offered me his phone as security for the loan, and said he would be about 30 minutes and would contact me on his phone when he got back to give me the cash.

I am a black card holder and have been a regular at Monte Casino for many years.

I gave this man the benefit of the doubt, loaned him the R100.00 and he gave me the phone. About two hours later the man had not returned. I, believing I was doing the proper thing, went to reception, explained the story saying that maybe he had been delayed, and could they please hold the phone as I needed to go home. They called security which I had no problem with. Security arrived, I have no idea what his name is, and he took me to the conference room. In the conference room I confirmed the exact story I had given to the receptionist and explained that maybe the man had been delayed.

It was explained to me that all interviews are recorded, which I had no problem with. I gave the security officer the phone and he also asked me for my black card which I, once again, had no problem with. He took the details of my black card down. He then told me, to my astonishment, that I was implicated in a potential ******** act and was banned from Monte Casino for 2 years. I was shocked that I, believing I was doing the honorable and right thing, would be accused of being complicit in a crime. I have no ******** record. So, what went through my mind was I, as a frequent customer, have been banned for two years, according to their security expert.

Approximately half an hour later I was phoned by the security gentleman and was asked if I was in the vicinity. which I was not. He told me that I was able to come and collect my card from reception. I was extremely upset and as you can imagine, not too choice with my words.

I understand that Casino security has a challenging job, often under stressful circumstances, however, as a regular customer I do not appreciate being falsely accused. Even if the security gentleman appears to have now changed his position, presumably after checking the security footage of the incident.

I sent an email on the 20th of March 2019 but have so far received no confirmation or acknowledgement of receipt of my email.

Bruce Phillips ********** **********