Soshanguve malls closed due to pro-Zuma protests
"We will wait until everything is settled and only then we will open."
The situation was calm on Monday in Soshanguve as several malls around the township were closed as a precaution to the ongoing
pro-Zuma protests.
Major malls such as Soshanguve plaza, Soshanguve crossing and Central City shopping centre have been closed as they fear the rioting might spread in Tshwane.
Soshanguve plaza spokesperson Musa Mphuthi said they have closed the shopping centre for safety reasons.
“There are rumours that shopping malls are going to be targeted, so we would rather be safe than sorry.”
Mphuthi said they cannot confirm when they will be open to the public as they are waiting for the situation to quiet down.
“We will wait until everything is settled and only then we will open.”
Police spokesperson Colonel Brenda Moridili said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) was working around the clock to enhance operational capacity at provincial level in response to incidents where people appear to be undermining the authority of the state.
“A warning is issued to those circulating inflammatory messages, inciting violence and lawlessness, that they refrain from doing so.
“The possibility of criminal charges being instituted against such persons cannot be ruled out, particularly in the event of injury or death that may come as a result of any operational response by the security forces to these incidents of violence and opportunistic criminality.”
The South African Defense Force (SANDF) has also been called in to assist the police as the protests continues to spread around the country.
In a statement, the SANDF said the duration and number of deploying soldiers will be determined by the assessment of the situation on the ground by the relevant law enforcement agencies.
Rekord could not get hold of other malls for comment by the time of print.
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