****phobic Incident at SPAR Tops Hammarsdale Junction Mall

Dear SPAR Management,

I am writing to formally lodge a complaint about a distressing incident that occurred at SPAR Tops, Hammarsdale Junction Mall, during my recent visit to make a purchase.

I was insulted and humiliated by a security guard employed by 24 Seven Alert Response Security Services, who is stationed at the entrance to search customers and sign off their till slips. His comments were openly ****phobic, offensive, and deeply hurtful.

As a proudly *** man who was born and raised in Hammarsdale, many people in this community have known me since childhood and know that I have always been open about who I am. However, the treatment I received from this security guard — including verbal abuse and hate speech — made me feel unsafe and unwelcome in your store.

The guard went as far as saying that I am “an abomination” and “*******,” and even told me that he would not allow me to leave the store with my purchase, suggesting instead that I should “go buy from Boxer Liquor Store.” Such words are not only discriminatory but also a violation of my human dignity and consumer rights.

This incident is particularly painful given the recent surge of ****phobic rhetoric on social media — including videos by Ngizwe Mchunu promoting hate and violence against the LGBTQIA+ community. It is unacceptable that this type of hate speech is now finding expression in public spaces like SPAR.

I would like to know:

Does SPAR wish to be associated with ****phobic behaviour from individuals representing your brand?

Are LGBTQIA+ customers not welcome to shop freely and safely at your stores?

What actions will SPAR take to ensure this does not happen again, and that your stores remain safe and inclusive spaces for all?

I have also raised this matter on X (Twitter), but have not received any response from your social media team. I am escalating this issue because I believe no customer should ever be subjected to hate speech or ************** while shopping.

I kindly request a formal response and assurance that this matter will be investigated urgently.