Airports Company South Africa
Shocking treatment of elderly passengers

My mother, an elderly lady, travelled from Cape Town to Durban on Sunday 9 June. On passing through security, she was pulled aside by a youngish security officer for a body search. She was not offered the right to be searched in a private room - to which she is entitled by law. She was confused & disorientated by the manner of the security officer & had to suffer the indignity of having her breasts touched in a public place. This young lady should be ashamed of herself - I'm sure she would not like anyone to treat her mother or her grandmother like that!

My mother is now terrified of her return trip coming up shortly. I called ACSA in Durban & they were horrified to hear of this treatment & advised that passengers (particularly female & elderly) should be offered the right to be searched with dignity & respect.

I totally understand the need for security within airports & appreciate random passenger searches. But come on - let's treat our aged with some respect, please!

I see there was a similar complained posted about Cape Town Airport yesterday - it seems there is a general problem there & I hope that it is addressed with management & attitudes changed.

Company: Airports Company South Africa
Country: South Africa
City: Cape Town International

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