Human Rights commission visits east company hit by sexual violation scandal
A female employee at the company is accused of forcing 30 women to take off their pants so she COULD “inspect” their private parts. This after a used sanitary pad was found in the women’s bathroom.
The South African Human Right’s Commission (SAHRC) has paid a visit to a Pretoria east company hit by allegations of sexual assault.
In August, a female supervisor at the Silverton company allegedly forced 30 women to pull down their pants after a used sanitary pad was found in the women’s bathroom.
According to the women, the supervisor then bent down to look at their private parts to determine if they were on their menstrual cycle and whether they were wearing a sanitary pad.
One claimed that she was also touched on her private parts.
The visit by the SAHRC made a week ago was aimed at probing possible violations, to establish the circumstances that led to the incident and look into any remedial steps taken by the employer.
ALSO READ: South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)
“It was a preliminary investigation, fact-finding exercise,” said the commission’s spokesperson Buang Jones.
“The perpetrator was subjected to a disciplinary inquiry and employees were offered counselling.
“The employer is to share its policies with the commission for review and continue providing counselling to employees.”
Jones said the commission would also provide a human rights sensitisation training to management and employees.
He said no finding was made as yet as the visit was only part of it’s a preliminary investigation.
Two women who were victims of the incident, previously spoke to Rekord, detailing how the said supervisor asked all 30 women working at the packing line to take off their pants.
“Two of us went into the bathroom at a time,” said one woman.
“She told us to take our pants down. We kept our panties on. She bends to look at our private parts and even touched us to feel if we were on our menstrual cycle and if we had a sanitary pad on.”
“This was done without our consent.”
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Mams family demands justice for son
Another woman who corroborated the story said she was “fortunately” not touched.
“I told her I was not on my period and that I don’t get periods any longer, but she insisted,” said the second woman.
“I could not say no. I was too scared of being intimidated afterwards or possibly losing my job.
“I was so scared and confused. She has all the power to make our lives miserable and that made us even more scared. I am broken.”
Both women were survivors of sexual crimes and said the incident brought back all the pain and helplessness they felt during their ordeals.
Speaking through their attorney, Phillip du Toit, the company previously said since the matter had been brought to their attention a disciplinary process against the said supervisor had started.
“Due to the serious nature of this matter, this is highly confidential and the matter will now be dealt with through a disciplinary process,” Du Toit said.
The victims have since opened a case with the Silverton police.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
