Residents wasted no time to prepare for the worst-case scenario, as everyone waited to see what the president would announce about the suggested December lockdown.

Mr Jorge Nunes from Kanonkop Spar, said that Kanonkop Tops was overwhelmed by shoppers Saturday, as people streamed in to make sure they are prepared for a potential alcohol ban. Mr Nunes however assured that despite the rush, the store’s stock is well replenished.

Mr Christo Vlok from OK Liquors, also confirmed to having seen more clientele than usual. He however said that it was hard to determine whether the mad rush was owed to the threats of lockdown or the Black Friday specials.

Another liquor retailer, who chose to stay anonymous, compared the weekend’s business to that of a traditional church bazaar, as shoppers queued on the Saturday morning to stock up on alcohol.

Just as excitement died down, the hike in fuel prices lead to another stampede at filling stations.

Tempers flared as residents grew impatient for their turn to fill up their tanks before the country saw its fuel prices at the highest ever in history.

Residents of the northern parts of Middelburg had to navigate their way through an overcrowded town, while the Engen Filling Station in Kanonkop remains closed for renovations.

Engen Petroleum has not yet given an estimated date on when the said filling station will be open for business.