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SHOP DISASTER

Supermarket worker tragically killed in middle of her shift in horror freak accident

A SUPERMARKET worker was tragically killed in the middle of her shift in a freak accident.

Cops said Malerato Harrison suffered "fatal injuries" and died shortly after being found crushed by cleaning products.

Malerato Harrison was crushed to death by cleaning products during her shift
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Malerato Harrison was crushed to death by cleaning products during her shiftCredit: Facebook/Malerato Harrison
The mum-of-two had moved to Australia from South Africa
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The mum-of-two had moved to Australia from South AfricaCredit: Nine News
Woolworths said it was working with police and work safety officials
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Woolworths said it was working with police and work safety officialsCredit: Reuters

Malerato was on shift at Jasmond Central Woolworths in Newcastle, Australia, when she was trampled on by equipment that reversed onto her.

Cops said they're not treating her death as suspicious.

Tributes have begun pouring in for the beloved cleaner.

Malerato's friend Jessika Abra said on Facebook: "I still can’t believe I’ll never see your big beautiful smile in person again or hear you laugh.

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"You have touched so many people’s lives and made an impact on them.

"You’ve done so much for me without you probably even knowing and given me so much advice that I will always cherish.

"You don’t meet many people in life like you and I’m so blessed that I got to have so many memories and to have had such a beautiful friendship that I’ll always hold close to my heart forever."

Another pal commented: "Thank you for being the most beautiful soul."

"You were. You are. You will always remain a shining light in our heart," wrote a third.

Malerato had moved to Newcastle from South Africa and was living with her husband and two children.

Her friend Tiana Campbell told that "every time she‘d say their names, her eyes would just light up".

The mum-of-two was an employee of a third-party cleaning company that was providing specialist services for the Jesmond store.

A Woolworths spokesman said the supermarket giant was “deeply saddened by the tragic incident”.

“We are assisting SafeWork NSW and NSW Police as well as working with our contract cleaning partner,” he added.

The supermarket said its priority was providing support to the woman’s family.

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