Pick n Pay responds after employee dies in store

A Pick n Pay store in KwaZulu-Natal has faced backlash over its handling of an employee’s death.

The female employee is alleged to have passed away in the presence of customers on Monday, reportedly leaving those who witnessed the incident in a state of shock.

The cause of death was not disclosed, but Pick n Pay has since responded with condolences, stating they were doing what they could to assist the family of the deceased.

Hours before body was removed

The incident occurred at the Kingsburgh Pick n Pay at roughly 2.30pm on 5 May.

The store was criticised for not closing its doors after the incident, even though the body of the foreign national employee was only collected by the mortuary at roughly 5.30pm.

A witness told the South Coast Sun how they had been left deeply disturbed by having to work with a dead body in the store.

Pick n Pay noted the difficulty of the situation and stated that it would assist staff members with counselling.

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our staff member at the Pick n Pay Kingsburgh franchise store,” Pick n Pay told The Citizen on Wednesday.

“When she collapsed in the store, staff members immediately assisted her while waiting for the paramedics to arrive.

“This is an incredibly difficult situation for everyone concerned, and the franchisee worked closely with the authorities throughout, which guided their response,” the company stated.

Violation of religious beliefs

Another south coast resident criticised the store’s management for not taking the staff’s mental health into account.  

The resident also questioned the ethics of forcing customers to be in the vicinity of a dead body, which could have been against their religious beliefs.   

Pick n Pay responded, saying, “We are fully investigating the circumstances of the incident with the franchisee. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her husband, the family and her colleagues during this difficult time”.

“The store is providing counselling support to all staff members and is in contact with the family to provide any assistance they may need in planning her funeral,” the company concluded.

NOW READ: Stars shine for Darren Scott: A benefit concert to honour South Africa’s beloved broadcaster