The altercation occurred last Wednesday (1/4) and sparked public interest after a video circulated on social media showing the man being asked to leave the Ques Boutique in the Loch Logan Waterfront Mall.

According to the store owner Hermien Borman, the man allegedly threatened her staff and invoked his movement, People United Movement, to intimidate them, said police spokesperson Lt. Col. Thabo Covane. He confirmed a case has been opened.

However, Bongekile Novasi denied the accusations, accusing Borman of “spreading lies” to tarnish his reputation. “I entered the store with a friend of mine. The first people (who) approached us told us that they don’t do exchanges.

“I moved from one tray of clothes going to the second one. This lady (Borman) came out … and then she stopped me, told me that they don’t serve men in this shop.”

He was asked to leave the store, he said. “I was confused... (Borman) said now she has asked me for the fourth time, she is calling security. I felt that I’m being discriminated (against) … it’s gender-based,” Novasi said.

Police and mall management response

Loch Logan Waterfront Mall management is also investigating the issue. “We are engaging the tenant to understand the circumstances,” said marketing consultant Meryl Henning. “We are committed to a respectful environment for all patrons.”

Novasi filed a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission, alleging gender discrimination after police declined to open a case against the store owner.

“My dignity was taken away from me. I’m a hard-working Black man (who) has the ability to consume or has freedom of movement,” said Novasi.

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OFM News/Refilwe Bekane