Mandisi Tshingana Raises Over R30,000 for Elderly Woman Caught Stealing Groceries at Shoprite
An elderly woman filmed being searched by security at a Shoprite store has received an outpouring of public support after content creator Mandisi Tshingana appealed for help.
The video, which went viral on Thursday, shows a security guard searching the woman and removing items including a small bag of rice, chicken pieces, beef stew, a green pepper and body lotion. The footage has raised concern over both the alleged shoplifting and the decision to record and circulate the search.
Tshingana said he does not condone stealing but was moved by the woman’s claim that she had no food after her home was allegedly broken into. He appealed for donations to help her buy groceries.
The fundraising drive reportedly reached R15,000 within two hours, with later updates putting the amount above R30,000. Tshingana has since called for additional funds towards a Christmas food voucher and repairs to the woman’s home.
A complaint circulating online identifies the branch as Shoprite Mdantsane, although this has not been independently confirmed. Shoprite has not publicly commented on the incident, and the woman has not been named. No police confirmation or charge has been reported.
