#GautengShutdown update: Situation is calm around the Midrand area
MIDRAND − The Mall of Africa was evacuated as a safety measure for shoppers, tenants and centre management.
Update: 17:30, July 13
Large police and security presence around the Midrand area
Social media reports raised fears that there was looting taking place in Kyalami this afternoon. However, Rea Sebebtsa CEO Danny Maduray confirmed that there was no looting taking place in the area. He urged community members to refrain from sharing information that has not been verified.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said that officers are deployed to hotspot areas including Ebony Park, Ivory Park, Alexandra and Diepsloot.
https://twitter.com/Natasha_Thahane/status/1414957087029927943?s=20
Soldiers are patrolling the Kyalami, Midrand area. Going from shopping centre to shopping centre monitoring the situation.
— Lynne O'Connor (@LynneOConnorSA) July 13, 2021
Update: 14:00, July 13
Mall of Africa is evacuated as a precautionary measure
Attaq, Mall of Africa’s development company, said in a statement that the mall would be evacuated at 14:00 on July 13 as a precautionary measure.
The statement added that this decision prioritises the safety of shoppers, tenants and the mall’s management team. “Additional security has been brought in to safeguard lives and property. We are in constant communication with the South African Police Service as well as other security clusters for updates.”
Update: 11:00, July 12
Situation is calm in Midrand
Posts shared on social media on July 12 raised concerns about possible looting in the Midrand area.
Boulders Shopping Centre Management said that the centre has been closed to the public out of an abundance of caution as well as give staff the opportunity to return home early. “The safety of our customers, employees and tenants is of the highest priority. They will open tomorrow upon review of the situation,” said the statement.
https://twitter.com/K9_Reaper/status/1414515300645543944?s=20
Have you seen any incidents of protest action or looting in the Midrand area? Share your accounts with the editor Laura on laurap@caxton.co.za
