Karin M

... I have no words

I had a very bad experience in Heidelberg Mall today. I went to the public toilets opposite Dis-chem Pharmacy. I entered one of the cubicles and locked the door. When I tried opening the door, it would not unlock. I tried to get somebody's attention but being midweek, there weren't many people visiting the toilets. I started to panic and being in this state of mine only after banging and yelling for about 15 minutes, I then realized I can phone the Management Office. The receptionist after hearing about the problem sent help. The lady could not open the door and asked me to use my key, I refused as I was scared my key may break. She then called for help and a gentleman arrived. He also could not open the door. Being a cubicle with no way of getting out but the door, I was starting to feel sick and had breathing problems. A third person came to help and broke the door lock and I was able to get out of the cubicle after more than an hour. I then went to the Management office and still being traumatized, the door at this office was locked and there was a sign reading "push" I pushed the door and it would not open, I then read the office hours on the door and as per the hours, the office should be open. A lady (I think it was the Mall Manager) then came out of an office pointing fingers. I did not know what she was pointing at. When she opened the door, she rudely said to me there is a bell I should ring. No where on the door does it read "ring the bell" and the bell is situated above eyesight on the left hand side of the door. I told her that I was locked in the toilet and asked if they check the toilet door locks as this could happen to others. She rudely said to me I can not make accusations if I was locked in one cubicle, she did not even asked if I was okay or offer me a glass of water for that matter. She could clearly see that I was traumatized but didn't seem to care and I just walked away. If this is the way Heidelberg Mall treats their customers, I would definitely not recommend anyone to visit the Mall. I was highly offended by her attitude. This incident happened today 12 June 2025 at about 10h45