Edenvale remains calm as businesses close amid Gauteng protest fears
Edenvale recorded no protest-related incidents despite demonstrations in surrounding areas, with police, the CPF and security partners maintaining a strong presence as some businesses closed as a precaution.
Throughout June 30, Edenvale and Greenstone remained calm, with a sense of eerie stillness, as numerous businesses closed as a precaution.
The Edenvale CPF executive stated that while reports of protest-related activity were received in other areas, none were reported in Edenvale.
“Our dedicated teams, together with our law enforcement and security partners, continued working throughout the evening and into the early hours of July 1, maintaining a visible presence and monitoring identified hotspot areas,” said ECPF executive public relations officer Fiona Pickett.
Over the course of the day, there was a noticeable decrease in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic observed in town as demonstrations flared up across Gauteng and surrounding communities.
Speaking to Edenvale’s VISPOL commander, Lieutenant Colonel Shadrack Magcuntsu, he said the situation in the town remained quiet despite demonstrations occurring in surrounding areas.
Although some businesses have closed their doors, mainly in the CBD, many across Edenvale remain operational.
Magcuntsu said demonstrations were reported in surrounding areas, including Germiston, Primrose and Boksburg; however, Edenvale remained calm, with none reported in its policing precinct or four policing sectors.
He added that law enforcement agencies, policing stakeholders, the CPF and private security companies have been patrolling the town since the early hours of the morning to maintain a visible presence.
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“There was a strong law enforcement presence in town. We worked with all available partners,” said Magcuntsu.
“We are pleased to report that no incidents were reported in our policing sectors,” he added.
Edenvale CPF chairperson Sheryl Damerell also confirmed a noticeable decrease in both pedestrian and vehicle traffic throughout the town.
She said stakeholders had planned for June 30 several days in advance.
“We assessed hotspots and soft targets in our community and planned as best we could for today’s events,” she said.
She said residents are urged to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during times of protests and demonstrations.
Damerell thanked the SAPS members, CPF teams, law enforcement agencies, security partners, and the community for their continued cooperation and support on the day.
