Over the weekend, Shamiso Mosaka, a TV personality, shared her distressing encounter of alleged racial profiling during a flight from Durban to Johannesburg.
According to her account on Instagram Live, she was asked to disembark the flight after a verbal exchange with a flight attendant over her use of explicit language on a phone call.
Shamiso’s Version vs. CemAir’s Statement
Shamiso claimed that she was unfairly targeted and labeled the attendant as “racist,” denying any disruptive behavior.
However, CemAir presented a contrasting narrative in their official statement, accusing Shamiso of being “unruly and abusive.”
They emphasized her refusal to comply with crew instructions and suggested potential prosecution for her alleged attempt to access the flight deck.
Social Media Reaction
On social media, public sentiment appeared largely in support of Shamiso, condemning CemAir’s handling of the situation.
Celebrities like Somizi and Bridget Masinga expressed outrage, with Somizi denouncing the airline’s defense of racism and Masinga demanding a sincere public apology for Shamiso’s humiliation.
Ntsiki Mazwai also weighed in, criticizing the conduct of the flight attendant and calling for repercussions.
Flight Violations and Consequences
In light of this incident, it’s important to consider the behaviors that can lead to removal from a flight.
According to Business Insider, actions such as boarding intoxicated, displaying aggression, or disobeying flight rules can result in expulsion from the aircraft.
The controversy surrounding Shamiso’s ordeal highlights broader issues of racial profiling and passenger rights within the airline industry.
It prompts reflection on the appropriate handling of conflicts between passengers and airline staff, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and accountability in such situations.