Diepsloot traders pack up as shutdown march looms
Thursday marches continue in Diepsloot, and street vendors fear that they might be targeted.
Street vendors in Diepsloot began packing up their stock on Thursday morning as fears grew over a planned community shutdown march aimed at businesses allegedly owned by undocumented foreign nationals.
A poster circulating on social media called on residents to participate in the march, prompting many traders to close early and remove their goods as a precaution.
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For some, the uncertainty surrounding the protest has created anxiety about the safety of their livelihoods.
Street vendor Cindy Mali said she decided to pack away her stock before marchers arrived. “I am scared that my business might be attacked or looted. It is better for me to pack everything away before the march starts because I don’t know what will happen.”
She added that even though she depends on her daily sales to support herself, protecting her stock was more important than risking the loss of everything she owns.
Nearby, another resident, Thabo Nkomo, stood guard outside his mother’s spaza shop while she was away. He said he chose to remain at the store because he feared it could be broken into during the march.
Also read: Peaceful protest highlights Diepsloot’s call for safer streets
“I couldn’t leave the shop unattended because we don’t know what might happen. If anything goes wrong, there will be no one here to protect it. I’m just hoping everything remains peaceful.”
Several traders were seen carrying stock away from their stalls, while others closed their businesses altogether ahead of the planned protest.
The shutdown follows growing community concerns over illegal immigration and employment opportunities in Diepsloot.
At the time of publication, it remained unclear how many businesses would be affected by the march.
The Fourways Review will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the situation unfolds.
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