Department of Women shocked by Topbet's conduct

Thursday, March 8, 2018

The Department of Women says it considers the strip searching of about 40 female staff over the menstruation incident at Topbet as inhumane and a gross violation of human rights.

According to reports, the management ordered that all female staff be stripped after menstrual blood was discovered in a staff toilet.

“The department is aghast to learn that Gladys Radebe, 56, who opened a case of sexual harassment against the Topbet branch manager who ordered the search, had been suspended. This is secondary victimisation of Radebe,” the department said.

Radebe said that she pleaded with her manager to be excused as she's already been through menopause.

The department commended Radebe for her courageous stance against the violation of her rights by opening a case of sexual harassment against Topbet.

Notwithstanding that the branch manager was suspended and subsequently fired, the department said that it trusts that the female advocate appointed to investigate the matter will ensure that the matter is thoroughly ventilated, and that the outcome of this internal legal process will result in real and meaningful justice for the victims. – SAnews.gov.za