Racist SMS 'meant for wife'

2008-05-13 08:23

Dries Liebenberg

Durban - A man had to apologise to his former domestic worker and pay her R10 000 according to an order by the Durban Equality Court after he called her a "k**** bitch".

Cameron Forsyth wrote this SMS in October last year after their domestic worker Zandile Magubane did not come to work. But instead of sending it to his wife as he intended, he by accident sent it to Magubane's phone.

The message went: "Try calling the k***** bitch from a private number. She is not answering my calls".

According to sworn statements handed in at court, Magubane was ill that day and went to a clinic in KwaDabeka. She forgot her phone at home and could not inform her employers that she would be late, said Magubane.

When she got the SMS, she immediately called Forsyth's wife, who apologised to her and said she'd ask her husband to do the same.

According to court documents, Magubane told the couple that she did not want to work for them anymore. She felt deeply hurt and offended.

Two days later, she went to police, laid a charge and asked their assistance in getting back her possessions from the Forsyths' house.

Magistrate John Sanders on Friday said in his court order that Forsyth had apologised and admitted the SMS had been an affront to her human dignity.

Forsyth apparently regretted the incident and promised in future to treat all people with humanity and respect.

Sanders ordered Forsyth to pay Magubane R10 000 in damages.

- Beeld