Sanlam, a South African financial services group, has suspended an employee following serious allegations of verbal abuse and damage to property that occurred during an apparent road rage incident in Cape Town.
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Sergeant Wesley Twigg, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), says Cape Town Central police are investigating a malicious damage to property case.
According to reports, two motor vehicle drivers had an altercation on Hudson Road in Green Point.
‘The one driver’s car was damaged. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. No arrests [have] been made yet,’ says Twigg.
The woman involved in the incident recently shared her story on the X platform, stating that the Sanlam employee allegedly blocked her car after noticing the ‘Free Palestine’ posters in her window. She claimed that the man then proceeded to follow her to a parking spot on Hudson Street, where he allegedly shouted at her and keyed her vehicle.
She also posted a photo of the alleged Sanlam employee and revealed his name.
Cape {town} Etc reached out for a comment but was declined, after which the user changed her X profile to private.
Finola Quarsingh, the head of communications at Sanlam, says the employee has been formally suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of an ‘urgent and thorough external independent investigation’.
‘Sanlam holds each of its employees and businesses to the highest standards of conduct and values, and will not condone any behaviour inconsistent with these. Sanlam is dedicated to a comprehensive, fair and independent examination of the matter.’
The company also posted a short statement on social media:
We are aware of allegations made against one of our employees. We take these allegations seriously and are investigating the matter.
— Sanlam Investments (@SanlamInvest) January 13, 2024
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Picture: Velito / Unsplash