The DA strongly condemns assault of woman at Usave Shoprite

9 October 2017

The DA strongly condemns the assault and handcuffing of Thandiwe Chaparandzu (28), in front of her 3 year-old daughter by three security guards at the Usave Shoprite in Cosmo City Mall over the weekend.

Violence against women is barbaric and cannot be tolerated in any scenario.

It is alleged that Ms. Chaparandzu was assaulted after her daughter had to relieve herself outside the Usave Shoprite.

The three security guards who have been suspended and charged with assault are not fit to work in a public place especially where there are women and children.

It is clear that these security guards do not have respect for women and children. A public place such as shopping malls are places where women and children should feel safe not intimidated.

It is clear that Ms. Chaparandzu and her daughter are severely traumatized after this incident. I will be visiting both and call upon Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane to arrange trauma counselling for both Ms. Chaparandzu, her daughter and their family.

The DA demands that Usave Shoprite, Cosmo City Mall and the security company that employees these guards offer a formal apology to Ms. Chaparandzu and her family for the pain they caused.

For courtesy purposes, Shoprite and other supermarkets chains should consider installing ablution facilities in their stores for customers in cases of emergencies.

We will continue monitoring the case to ensure that those implicated face the full might of the law and that Ms. Chaparandzu and her daughter get the justice they deserve.

The DA sends a stern message to the perpetrators of violence against women and children that the arm of the law will reach them wherever they are hiding.

Issued by John Moodey, DA Gauteng Provincial Leader, 9 October 2017