Cape Town - Shocking new claims against Nobuntu “Nobs” Mkhize have arisen after a flight attendant lodged a criminal complaint against her at Bishop Lavis Police Station on Monday.
Mkhize is now accused of allegedly saying coloured women are only good for “spreading their legs”.
Emmridge September, 24, was accompanied by DA provincial leader Tertuis Simmers and his team on Monday, as he also registered crimen injuria charges against her for insulting women from Mitchell’s Plain.
Mkhize, who is reportedly the brand manager from SABC, caused a stir when videos taken aboard a FlySafair flight to Cape Town went viral on social media as she was filmed labelling women from Mitchell’s Plain as uneducated and unable to drive or own motor vehicles.
Speaking to the Cape Argus, Simmers said he was tired of individuals violating the dignity of others.
“It cannot be that somebody can verbally assault a young woman like that and nothing is done. We must stand up and she must be held accountable for her actions.”
Subcouncil chairperson, Franchesca Walker, who accompanied September, says she was shocked as the young woman retold the story to cops.
“She is a young intelligent and beautiful woman from Eerste River and was so clever to collect all the evidence.
“She registered a case of assault and emotionally she was badly affected.
“She told the police that Mkhize even said to the flight attendants that coloured women were only good enough for spreading their legs while she would be going to sip champagne in Camps Bay.”
SABC spokesperson, Mmoni Seapolelo, confirmed they are addressing the matter.
“The SABC confirms that it is addressing this matter in accordance with its internal policies and processes, which are applicable to the employee. While we acknowledge the public’s interest in this issue, we must respect the employment relationship governed by Labour Law. As a result, specific details regarding this matter cannot be disclosed publicly. The SABC would like to reiterate its commitment to handling this matter with the sensitivity and seriousness it deserves”.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (Sacaa) says they have received a full report from the airline, which has been handed over to law enforcement entities for further investigations.
Sacaa director of aviation, Poppy Khoza, condemned the incident, saying they have zero tolerance for passengers who assault, threaten, intimidate or interfere with cabin crew members.
She warns that the actions are a violation of the Civil Aviation Act and if found guilty a passenger could face a prison sentence for up to six months.
“It must be noted that cabin crew members are licensed as safety officers under the Civil Aviation Act. Their primary duty therefore is to ensure safety protocols are always maintained as well as the comfort of passengers. The incident aboard the aircraft was unfortunate and distasteful as it sought to undermine the safety of the passengers and crew.”
It was not clear by the time of publication whether police had formally charged Mkhize.