KNYSNA NEWS - A few weeks after two cashiers from Checkers Knysna were allegedly stripped naked when coming short at cash-up, they say, the EFF marched to the store for the second time on 11 February to hand in a memorandum with a list of their demands.

After the alleged incident, the two women, Zethu Teyise and Asanda Ngcitha, opened a crimen injuria case against the security guard who they say ordered them on 19 January to strip, allegedly on instructions from a manager, Janine Baartman.

The EFF'S list of demands included a proper investigation into the matter and dismissal of the manager in question. There was also a demand to not force employees to work overtime. EFF official Siyabulela Kolani said they would go back to the store "revolutionary" if the demands are not met.

The first time the EFF protested in the store was on 25 January, six days after the cashiers were allegedly stripped.

'Formal process followed'
When asked for comment on the EFF memorandum, the store's media team said on 20 February that a formal disciplinary process was followed and action taken following a complaint of misconduct at the store. "We are unfortunately not in a position to disclose facts relating to the supermarket group's disciplinary proceedings," the statement said.

It was also stated that as a result of continued cash-up shortages at the supermarket, a formal investigation was launched, which included the extension of polygraph tests to all relevant role players – including cashiers and administrative management. This investigation has been finalised and the matter is considered to be dealt with, according to the store.

'Workers entitled to decent conditions'
"We have a long-standing view that all workers are entitled to reasonable and decent working conditions. Shoprite Checkers has always made an effort to base dealings with our employees on the principles of fairness and respect and in terms of the legislative framework of the Labour Relations Act, which includes the effective resolution of employee-related disputes by way of a host of formal dispute resolution mechanisms," concluded the statement.

One of the cashiers, Zethu Teyise told Knysna Plett Herald on 26 February that after the investigation was concluded, she and Ngcitha were informed by Shoprite Checkers manager in George, Tyron Benjamin, about the results. 

"He told us that the manager (Baartman) was found not guilty, verbally, and that as a result she was transferred to Port Elizabeth. He also said that they found the security guard guilty," said Teyise. At the time of going to print, Benjamin was attending training in Port Elizabeth and was not available for comment. Teyise and Ngcitha have been suspended for coming short at cash-up.