• The Middelburg Mall opened its doors for business on Wednesday after closing the previous day as a precautionary measure.

Mike Tammadge, Middelburg Mall manager, said that it is heartwarming to see how resilient people are with business returning back to normal as people return to the mall after Tuesday’s closure.

Tuesday’s closure saw a loss in revenue of around R7 million. Mr Tammadge spoke to www.mobserver.co.za shortly after having a meeting with local taxi associations, who offered their support and vowed to help protect the mall from looting.

“Taxis are driving around the mall in convoys, hooting, as a message that no looting will be tolerated here,” Mr Tammadge said.

They have a full Fidelity Guards security team guarding the mall at night.

He said that they have attorneys looking at the possibility of criminal charges or civil action against people who made threats of looting the mall on social media platforms.

• Another source, who asked to remain anonymous, said that residents are very proactive. Someone reported three busses with people entering Middelburg last night and police, as well as community safety groups, were there in a flash, only to find out that the busses were transporting SANDF members.

The source said that voice notes, saying that police were on their way to the Middelburg Mall where trouble broke out on Tuesday, were false, as all was quiet throughout the night.

• Local businesswoman Susca Watts said that she woke up on Wednesday with a strong sense of pride and an urge to be part of the community taking hands.

She offered to make sandwiches and food for security officers, taxi drivers and other residents patrolling the streets. The food will be made at Susca Watts Academy in Vos Street from 08:00 to 16:00 and will be distributed where needed.

Anyone who wants to donate bread or other foodstuffs can contact her on 083 293 7110.

• Security firms in Middelburg have taken hands during this time.

According to Andre Wessels, owner of Mid Alarms, they have a gentleman’s agreement to help each other out with backup, should the need arise.

Mr Wessels said that all indicators are that Middelburg will be spared of looting and that the community taking hands endorses this. Up until now, his security officers have been going about their normal business and have not reported any abnormal activity.

Should anything arise, they have prepared for numerous situations as far as possible.

“It gives me goosebumps to see how people from all walks of life are taking a stand against the madness,” Mr Wessels said.

Mr Wessels said that he has been in contact with security firms along the South Coast in KwaZulu-Natal and they are running out of basics like fuel. Several Middelburg residents with property there are now extending a helping hand to assist with resources.

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