THOHOYANDOU – A disgruntled woman from Thohoyandou Block J (Muledane), has vowed that she will never set foot again at Jet Stores in Thohoyandou, following an alleged assault by a security officer, who was accusing her of stealing running shoes.

Ms Salome Tshishonga said she went to Jet Store on August 20, to pay an account of her husband when the alleged incident happened. "It was on Tuesday morning when I went to the shop. I was wearing my brown running shoes that I bought in the same shop last year April. After paying for our family account, a security guy, by the name of Edward, asked to search my bag before he let me out of the shop. I then went to the post office to deposit my money."

According to her, while she was standing in the queue, the same guy came to the post office and called her from a distance. "I ignored him at first, before I went to him to find out what he was calling me for. He then told me that the teller, whom I paid my account to, needed me. When we reached the shop, he accused me of stealing the shoes. I tried to explain to him that I bought the shoes last year, but he never listened."

She said he also ordered her to take off her shoes in full view of customers, who were coming in and out of the shop. A senior security officer came and also confirmed that the shoes were stolen," said Tshishonga.

Tshishonga said she was only released after a long debate. She claims she "was pushed out of the shop by Edward, who told her to go to hell."

She added that she had reported the matter to the Thohoyandou Police Station the following day. She further said that a female officer met her last week Friday at the court and advised her to sue both the officer and the shop.

The manager of Jet, Mr Peter Lokotwayo said he was unaware of the incident. However, Lokotwayo said he was very concerned about the matter. "As a manager, I regret that this ever happened in our store. As much as one considers that such incidents can damage the image of the shop, I will make sure that I personally speak to the customer and apologise to her. From there I will take the matter up with my seniors," said Lokotwayo.

Meanwhile, Tshishonga said she was arranging with her husband to approach the University of Venda's Legal Aid Clinic so that she can take legal steps. She said she was angry that the security officer did not apologise to her and that the court failed to help her.

"I am not sure if I will ever set my foot in that shop. These people humiliated me in full view of many customers. They showed a lack of respect by forcing me to take my shoes off in full view of the public. That made me to appear like a thug. My other concern is that these shoes are worn out. How can they claim they are new or stolen? I have never used these shoes since then. I also doubt if I will ever wear them," said the mother of four.