Written by Roy Bregman, an admitted attorney with over 51 years of experience in litigation and dispute resolution.
Introduction
On a distressing afternoon, you and your mother visit a
local pharmacy, purchase an item, and are then detained by staff in a backroom,
accused of theft. Despite your attempts to resolve the situation, which only
de-escalated after an external manager intervened, you are left feeling
humiliated and profiled. The store’s CEO calls to apologise, promising action,
but the formal apology you requested never arrives, and the initial
"gaslighting" email from the pharmacy leaves a bitter taste. Now, every
time you enter a store, a wave of anxiety hits. This experience, which you
believe was racially motivated, was not just a misunderstanding—it was an
infringement on your dignity.
If this story resonates with you, know that South African
law provides powerful tools to protect you. This article outlines your legal
rights when faced with a false accusation of shoplifting, particularly when you
suspect unfair discrimination, and explains the practical steps you can take to
seek justice.
Falsely Accused of Shoplifting: Unpacking Your Legal
Rights
Being wrongly accused of a crime is a deeply violating
experience. When that accusation is coupled with the belief that you were
targeted because of your race, it strikes at the core of your right to be
treated with dignity and equality. Fortunately, South Africa's legal framework
offers clear avenues for recourse.
Your Primary Legal Shield: The Equality Act
The cornerstone of your protection is the Promotion
of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000, commonly
known as the Equality Act. This legislation was specifically designed to uphold
the constitutional promise of equality.
Its main purposes are to:
- Prevent
and prohibit unfair discrimination, hate speech, and harassment.
- Promote
equality and human dignity for all.
- Provide
accessible and effective remedies for those whose rights have been
violated.
The Act explicitly forbids discrimination on
"prohibited grounds," which include race, colour, gender, and ethnic
or social origin. Discrimination is defined as any act or omission that
directly or indirectly imposes burdens, withholds benefits, or disadvantages a
person based on one of these grounds.
What Constitutes Unfair Discrimination in a Retail
Setting?
Section 7 of the Equality Act specifically addresses unfair
discrimination on the grounds of race. This includes actions like providing
inferior services to a certain racial group or denying access to opportunities
and services.
In your situation, being detained, accused without
sufficient proof, and treated with suspicion could be seen as imposing a
"burden" and "disadvantage" based on perceived race. The
law is clear: neither the state nor any private person or entity, including a
retail store, may unfairly discriminate against anyone. If it can be shown that
the store's actions were influenced by your race—a concept known as prima
facie evidence—the legal burden shifts to the store to prove that
their actions were not discriminatory or were, for some reason, fair.
Avenues for Seeking Justice
If you have been a victim of unfair discrimination, you are
not powerless. The law provides several formal channels to hold the responsible
parties accountable.
1. The Equality Court
This is often the most effective forum for these matters.
Equality Courts are established at magistrates' courts and are designed to be
accessible, even without a lawyer. They have broad powers to order remedies
that fit the situation. For a case like yours, the court can order:
- A
formal, unconditional apology.
- Payment
of damages for financial loss, impairment of dignity, and
emotional or psychological suffering. Your ongoing anxiety when entering
stores is a direct form of psychological harm that can be quantified.
- An
order to stop the discriminatory practices, which could include
mandating specific staff training on how to handle customers without
prejudice.
- An
audit of the store's policies and practices to prevent future
incidents.
2. The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)
You can also file a complaint with the SAHRC. This
independent body investigates human rights violations and can assist you by
investigating your complaint, facilitating a resolution, or even supporting
your case in the Equality Court.
3. Criminal Charges via the Hate Crimes Act
If the incident involved a criminal act, such as wrongful
detention (unlawful deprivation of liberty), and was motivated by prejudice, it
may fall under the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate
Speech Act. Reporting the matter to the South African Police Service (SAPS)
allows for a criminal investigation. It is crucial to state your belief that
the act was racially motivated so it can be recorded as a potential hate crime.
Conclusion: You Have a Strong Case to Pursue
Based on your account, you have a compelling case. You were
detained, accused of stealing an item you had paid for, and have suffered
ongoing psychological harm. The CEO's verbal apology, while an admission of
fault, does not absolve the company of its responsibility to provide a formal,
written apology and take concrete remedial action. The fact that you feel you
were racially profiled is the critical element that brings this matter squarely
within the scope of the Equality Act.
Document all evidence, including your email correspondence,
proof of the CEO’s call, and a record of the psychological impact this has had
on you. With this evidence, you are well-positioned to approach the Equality
Court or the SAHRC to seek the justice and resolution you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need a lawyer to go to the Equality Court?
No, the Equality Court process is designed to be accessible to individuals
without legal representation. The clerks of the court can assist you in filing
your complaint. However, if your case is complex or you are claiming
significant damages, consulting an attorney is highly recommended.
Q2: What kind of evidence should I collect if I'm falsely
accused of shoplifting?
Preserve everything. This includes the receipt for your purchase, any
correspondence with the store (like emails), screenshots of phone calls from
management, and names of employees or witnesses. If you suffer from anxiety or
other psychological effects, a report from a doctor or psychologist is powerful
evidence.
Q3: Is a verbal apology from the CEO enough?
While a verbal apology is an acknowledgment of wrongdoing, it does not prevent
you from pursuing further legal action. You are still entitled to seek remedies
like a formal written apology and damages for the harm done to your dignity
through the Equality Court.
Q4: How long do I have to file a complaint for unfair
discrimination?
It is always best to act as soon as possible while the evidence and your memory
of the events are fresh. While the Equality Act does not specify a strict
prescription period in the same way as other civil claims, delaying too long
could potentially weaken your case.
