On January 30, 2024, London authorities arrested a 32-year-old man implicated in the shocking assault of Zahra, a waitress at Nando's restaurant, which took place last March. The incident garnered widespread attention after CCTV footage of the attack was shared online, showing Zahra being struck on the face with a plate by the customer as she served at his table.
The footage reveals Zahra approaching the table occupied by the man, woman, and child before the assault occurred. Disturbingly, the blow from the plate caused Zahra to stumble backward, leaving shocked diners reeling from the unexpected violence. The individual involved fled the restaurant with companions, leaving their meal uneaten and generating immediate concern among witnesses.
Speaking to the BBC, Zahra described her initial reaction to the assault: “I was shocked. I couldn’t register what happened, I couldn’t process what had happened.” Following the incident, she took to TikTok to express her feelings about the event and the subsequent police response, stating, “With all the attention the video has gotten and seeing everything about violence against women, I think it’s important to speak up about what actually took place.”
The assault appeared to stem from tensions over service issues, as Zahra mentioned details surrounding their experience. “It was preempted by a new colleague not providing the baby chair,” she explained. When she approached them to discuss the errant seating, the man reportedly became hostile, swearing and demanding alternate accommodations. The situation devolved quickly, leading to the violent outburst where he struck her with the plate, which also contained cutlery.
Just before the arrest, Zahra delivered a strong critique of the Metropolitan Police, who she claims did not respond adequately at the time of the incident. She asserted, “I was grossly let down by them. They have reopened the investigation now.” The police were present at the restaurant during the altercation but took no action against the man afterward.
After reviewing the case, the Metropolitan Police acknowledged past shortcomings. They stated, “A report of assault was made to police at the time, but it appears this was not progressed quickly by officers. We are working to establish why this happened and accept this is not the level of service Londoners should expect.” The arrest on January 30 provides some sense of resolution, albeit late for Zahra.
A representative for Nando's responded to the incident, labeling it as both “shocking and unprovoked.” They reiterated their commitment to employee safety: “We reported it to the police immediately and have supported our colleague since.” The management emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of both employees and patrons within their establishments.
The overwhelming support Zahra received from the public following the release of the footage has brought renewed attention to the issue of violence against women, particularly within the service industry. Zahra noted, “Thanks for all the support and attention... it’s really made a difference.”
Further investigations are underway, with the police asking anyone with additional information about the assault to come forward. The assault has sparked discussions not only about individual accountability but also systemic responses to incidents of violence.
This incident has clearly demonstrated the urgent necessity for effective protocols to protect service workers from violence and for law enforcement to act decisively when such incidents occur. The case stands as not only a warning sign but also as a rallying point for community action and reform.