An emotional Minki Ngxozela speaks out after an alleged degrading search at court.
Image: Phiri Cawe
A Khayelitsha woman says she was left humiliated after a female security official at the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court allegedly made her remove her clothing during a search.
Minki Ngxozela said the incident happened on Monday, August 17, when she went to court to attend the appearance of her sister’s son.
Ngxozela said she was initially searched and allowed into the court, but was later called back for another search.
She claims the security guard ordered her to remove her clothing in an area where people could see her.
“I objected to being undressed in a public area and believed I should have been taken to a private room or another secluded area if a more thorough search was necessary,” she said.
Ngxozela attended Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court for her nephew’s appearance when the alleged incident occurred.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Ngxozela said the guard questioned her about what she was wearing underneath her clothes.
“She asked me what was in my underwear. I told her it was a piece of cloth that I used as a panty liner. She then stripped me and took it, exposing what I was using to everyone. That woman humiliated another woman during Women’s Month,” she said.
She said the security door remained open while people moved in and out of the area.
“I have dignity, but it was dragged through the mud,” she said.
Ngxozela said the guard later laughed at her.
“After dragging my dignity through the mud, she laughed at me. I am hurt, and I want justice. I cannot be humiliated like that by someone younger than me. She would not do that to her own mother. I am deeply hurt,” she said, breaking down.
Minki Ngxozela says she was ordered to undress in an area visible to members of the public during a court search.
Image: Phiri Cawe
She is calling for an investigation and wants action to prevent other women from experiencing what she described as a degrading ordeal.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, through Metro 1 Court Manager Clive J Fortuin, said the court had noted the complaint.
“The court would like to clarify that security personnel do not strip and search members of the public. However, all court users in high-risk areas are subjected to security searches due to the risk of individuals bringing items onto court premises that could cause harm to other court users, staff or witnesses.”
Fortuin said the measures were intended to protect everyone at court and invited Ngxozela to lodge a formal complaint.
“This will enable the court to investigate the complaint fully, including obtaining statements from the security personnel involved and any other persons who may have witnessed the incident,” he said.
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