Mall, CBD shops close doors as precaution against protestors
The mall told tenants this was precautionary and in the interest of their safety and that of their staff.
East Rand Mall closed at 1pm today and sent tenants and their staff home and many businesses in Boksburg CBD have also shut shop.
This comes as a precaution in light of what businesses in Kwazulu-Natal and other areas have suffered due to protests, seemingly over the incarceration of Jacob Zuma.
There has been widespread looting and damage caused at businesses and burning of trucks on the highway, with shots fired and two people reportedly killed in KZN.
ALSO READ: Jacob Zuma in custody at Estcourt Correctional Centre
Yesterday protests flared up in Johannesburg and reports continue to come in on community social media groups of protests in Ekurhuleni.
The administrators of these groups are pleading with members to not take every video, voice note or piece of information as fact and forward it on to social media groups as there is a lot of fake news about the protests doing the rounds.
The East Rand Mall management today sent a communication to its tenants that read: “In consideration of our tenants’ and their staff’s safety, we have decided to close East Rand Mall from 1pm today (July 12). This is a mere precaution and we confirm there is no need to panic. Subsequently, we urge all stores to ensure that all valuables are out of sight and safely kept.”
The Advertiser attempted to get comment from the mall but no management staff were available to speak to us.
There were also earlier reports of protestors moving up Rietfontein Road in the direction of East Rand Mall but the Advertiser journalist drove that route and confirmed there were no protestors in this area. We are attempting to get confirmation of any protest action in Boksburg from the SAPS.
A member of Afriforum, which has patrols around Boksburg, said they have had no reports of protest action on Rietfontein Road.
The Benoni CPF Crime Group 1 Whatsapp group reported at 14:30 that motorists should avoid the N12 at the Putfontein offramp. “Protestors and shots fired” the message read.
If you witness protest action, send as much detail as possible to your local community security Whatsapp group or report it to the nearest police station.
You can also send photos and videos to boksburgadvertiser@caxton.co.za or message us on our Facebook page (Boksburg Advertiser).
ALSO READ: Metro to engage with community following protest on Rondebult Road
