Landlord and Pick n Pay allegedly sideline injured customer

The Ekurhuleni National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nafcoc) has responded to a complaint from one of its members who had a horrible shopping experience when she was injured last year at Sam Sekoati Avenue, Vosloorus, after shopping at Pick n Pay on Christmas Day.

Maria Digashwa explained that she was injured because of the uneven floor at the premises. She said to date, Pick n Pay and the landlord of the shopping centre have not apologised nor checked on her after she was injured at their premises.

“I was going to the parking lot, and as I was approaching the door, my trolley overturned and hit me on my left leg. I informed the manager who gave me forms to fill. I then went to the clinic and got stitched.

“I then went to see a doctor because of the pain. After that, I gave the manager the doctor’s note but they never called me back until I involved Nafcoc,” said Digashwa.

She said the Pick n Pay head office distanced itself from the matter. “They said it was not their fault and I have to take it up with the landlord,” she added.

Nafcoc chairperson George Ratswana raised two concerns on the matter.

“Firstly, as the business community, including Pick n Pay, why are we doing business in an unsafe environment for our consumers? We are told that this incident is not the first one and it was confirmed by the car guards at the parking,” said Ratswana.

“Secondly, how did Pick n Pay get this outlet from the municipality if they don’t own the parking? My understanding is that the granting permission to trade comes with certain conditions from the municipality,

“Amongst those conditions is provide sufficient parking. If Pick n Pay says it doesn’t own parking, they are in serious violation of the conditions. They must explain how they got the outlet. We want to involve the Department of City Planning to explain how Pick n Pay got this outlet,” he added.

Ratswana said the injured businesswoman is losing money as her small business is now suffering. Digashwa is a recycler and sells alkaline walker. Her business has been affected as she cannot work in her condition.

“My business has stopped because I deliver my products to my customers. I have three boys and eight grandchildren who have to go to school,” she explained.

Digashwa said Pick n Pay must take care of its customers and make sure that they are safe. She added she wanted the retail giant to compensate for her injuries as she is self-employed.

The Pick n Pay manager told Kathorus MAIL that he was not authorised to speak to the media. He referred us to the landlord, Johannes Mthembu.

Mthembu said he would respond with his lawyer, and was waiting for a response from his lawyer.