MSB v CCMA (Shoprite Checkers) (C765/2014) [2015] ZALCCT 37 (11 March 2015) per Steenkamp J.
An employee with 23 years of service left the branch in Beaufort West without paying for six bags of chicken valued at R209,99. They were in the undercarriage of her shopping trolley. Only one bag of chicken in the top of the trolley was rung up by the cashier. She was evasive and refused to accept responsibility for ensuring that all her goods had been declared. No remorse for her conduct was shown and she blamed her colleague, who was also dismissed. She was aware of the problem of shrinkage and of the role she was required to play to combat such losses. She was a leader and should have set an example to the cashiers. The reason for dismissal was valid. She could no longer be trusted to act in the employer’s interest and it was also fair to uphold her dismissal with costs.