South African television personality Shamiso Mosaka found herself embroiled in controversy after being removed from a CemAir flight from Durban to Johannesburg due to what officials described as “unruly” behaviour.
According to statements from CemAir, the flight was delayed by 90 minutes as a result of Shamiso Mosaka’s refusal to comply with safety regulations, necessitating the pilot to halt the engines that were already in operation.
Shamiso Mosaka documented the incident on Instagram Live. With over 140,000 followers on Instagram and a role as a presenter on MTV Base South Africa, Mosaka’s actions garnered significant attention on social media, with many supporters rallying behind her.
In the Instagram Live video, Shamiso Mosaka is seen being asked to deplane by police officers, but she adamantly refuses unless assured of another flight booking, a request denied by the airline crew.
Attempting to defend herself, Mosaka insists she wasn’t causing a disturbance and seeks validation from fellow passengers.
She suggests the incident may be racially motivated, citing the crew’s alleged failure to adequately explain her purported wrongdoing.
Contrary to Mosaka’s claims, CemAir’s Chief Financial Officer, Laura van der Molen, refuted allegations of racial profiling, stating that Mosaka had simply refused to comply with the airline’s regulations, necessitating her removal.
The incident occurred at King Shaka Zulu International Airport on Sunday, and CemAir has reported the matter to South African police for further investigation and potential prosecution. The airline asserts its commitment to supporting law enforcement in resolving the issue.