A growing controversy is unfolding after South African actress and filmmaker Mmabatho Montsho publicly raised concerns about her treatment at Exclusive Books.
Also see: Mmabatho Montsho gushes over Mbuyiseni Ndlozi’s first day on PowerFM
Mmabatho took to social media alleging that during a visit to one of the retailer’s stores, she was asked by a manager to remove her handbag from her lap and place it in a visible area for “security” reasons.
She questioned the request, asking why her bag was being treated as a potential security risk—an interaction she says left her feeling uncomfortable and singled out. The post has since gone viral, with many South Africans weighing in. Some have described the incident as an example of profiling in retail spaces, while others say more context is needed before drawing conclusions.
Hi @ExclusiveBooks your manager at Melrose Arch branch tells me to remove my handbag from my lap and put it where he can see it for “security” reasons. Of course he can’t explain what the security issue is. @ExclusiveBooks kindly clarify why my bag is a security threat.
— Mmabatho Montsho (@MmabathoMontsho) May 4, 2026
Also see:WATCH: Mmabatho Montsho shares her clay hair mask routine
Several social media users have also shared similar experiences, intensifying the conversation.
If this is a “reasonable” security request, @ExclusiveBooks should be able to show us that it is made to every single customer with a bag https://t.co/PpwzwhX9pO
— Lesole la ntate 💕✨ 🇿🇦🇵🇸 (@AprilShowerIn09) May 4, 2026
The Hyde park one refuses to my face to restock my book. No matter the request for payment upfront. They refuse to customers as well in my presence or not. Just sharing. https://t.co/RDkXLHyIxt
— Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng (@drtlaleng) May 4, 2026
At this stage, Exclusive Books has not publicly responded to the allegations. It remains unclear whether the request was part of store policy or an isolated incident.
The situation has sparked broader debate around customer treatment in retail environments, possible bias and profiling and the need for clear and consistent store policies.
This is a developing story, and more details are expected to emerge as both parties potentially respond.
Also see: Mmabatho Montsho’s two films selected for the Pan African Film Festival
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