Pick n Pay refutes allegations of locking up shoplifters in cold storage facility
Pick n Pay has strongly refuted false allegations that it had detained two suspected shoplifters overnight in a cold storage facility at its Klipfontein store in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
The allegations were made by the EFF and ANC Youth League during the week leading to protests and threats to close all Pick n Pay branches in eMalahleni on Friday, September 18.
They furthermore alleged that one of the women passed away due to being kept in a freezer.
In their response Pick n Pay said: “The story is completely untrue. The full incident was captured on CCTV from the time the two women entered the store to the time they left. The SAPS have fully investigated this incident. This includes a detailed examination of the CCTV in the store, interviews, and sworn statements by Pick n Pay staff and security staff.”
According to Pick n Pay two women were identified on their closed-circuit video as suspected of shoplifting on September 1.
They were stopped by security when they left the store without paying for goods.
In a press statement Pick n Pay said: “The SAPS were called. The women were treated respectfully, asked to remain at the store until the police arrived, and were escorted to an office upstairs at the store. This office is nowhere near any cold storage. This too was captured clearly on video.”
“When the SAPS arrived later that evening, they escorted the two women from the store. Both women were in the same good health as when they entered our store. Their departure from the store with the SAPS is also captured on video footage.
“At no point did the two women complain to the store staff or the SAPS that they had been mistreated.
“We have tried repeatedly to engage with protesters to provide them with this information and to assure them that this is fake news. Despite our efforts, protests have continued at stores in Witbank, with looting at the CBD store. Members of the ANC National Youth Task Team did not arrive at a scheduled meeting with the mayor.
“We have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide. Pick n Pay will always behave honestly and with integrity, and treat people the way in which we would want to be treated.”
Witbank News will keep readers updated with any new developments/information as received.
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