Pensioner claims to have been assaulted at the Randburg Licensing Department

Police and Metro police have confirmed they will investigate an incident in which a pensioner claimed to have been assaulted by a manager at the Randburg Licensing Department on August 18.

Westcliff resident Zenda Fisher (73) arrived at the department at 07:10 to renew her driver’s licence, only to be told at the gate she was too late and they were not serving pensioners any more that day.

“Only 15 pensioners are processed every day and the security guard at the gate said this is done at 6am every day,” Fisher told Randburg Sun.

“When I asked if I could speak to a manager for clarity about how and when to renew my driving licence, the guard just walked away. I went inside and found someone I believed to be a manager, and when she was done with her phone call I asked about renewing my driving licence.”

The woman apparently told Fisher they were understaffed because of lockdown. The pensioner said she sympathised with her, and asked if she could record their conversation to take it to the MMC to do something about the situation at the department.

“She became agitated, stood up and closed the door of her office behind me. She proceeded to assault me. When I tried to leave she slapped my hand on the door handle. She called me a ‘white b***h’ and proceeded to push me around forcefully, prohibiting me from leaving.”

Fisher said the manager pushed her against the desk and the wall, shouting at her until three people forced the door open from the outside and stopped her.

“I did not understand the dialogue. One of them attempted to pacify the ‘manager’ and she sat at her desk. I left quickly and safely.”

Parkview Police Station spokesperson, Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed an assault common case has been opened and the docket will be transferred to Randburg police for investigation.

Metro police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said MPD Internal Affairs Unit will investigate the incident as well.

Ward 102 councillor David Potter said he had received a number of complaints from pensioners about being treated poorly at the Randburg Licensing Department.