‘Tis the season to check your trolley
Mrs Booysen and her daughter, believed to be under the impression that everything had been paid for, continued on their way, oblivious to the rather unpleasant turn of events that would unfold in the next few minutes.
A routine shopping trip almost became a Christmas nightmare for the Booysen family following an oversight at the tills.
Mrs Booysen and her daughter had purchased a substantial amount of groceries at a local supermarket, filling two trolleys in the process. Mother and daughter proceeded to the tillpoint to pay for their purchases, where the goods were rung up, packed and placed in the trolleys after payment.
Perhaps in the Christmas shopping mayhem prevalent in most retail outlets at this time of year, a few small items, believed to have been placed on the baby seat fixed on one of the trolleys, were overlooked in the ringing up process.
Mrs Booysen and her daughter, believed to be under the impression that everything had been paid for, continued on their way, oblivious to the rather unpleasant turn of events that would unfold in the next few minutes.
A security guard noticed the items which had not been rung up and stopped the pair a few metres away from the till, where he allegedly informed them that they had “stolen” the items. The police were called and charges against the Booysens were imminent.
Dirk Booysen, a well-known local businessman, arrived at the scene of the alleged misunderstanding, rushing to the aid of his distraught wife and daughter as management at the store dealt with the matter.
After much discussion between Mr Booysen and the store manager, the matter was resolved amicably and the misunderstanding was cleared up, with the store manager deciding not to take legal action under the circumstances.
Both parties, Mr Booysen and the manager of the supermarket, agreed that this incident, unfortunate as it was, should serve as a reminder to shoppers and retail staff alike, to be attentive when doing Christmas shopping, or any shopping for that matter. Always ensure that you have checked that all your goods are paid for before leaving the shop to avoid any unnecessary unpleasantries.
Security staff are under instruction to be extra vigilant at this time of the year especially, with most retail outlets being abuzz with Christmas shoppers in the festive frenzy. Always ensure that you have checked that all your goods are paid for before leaving the shop to avoid any unnecessary run-ins with the law.
