Businesses can operate but remain on high alert during protest action – Moot police
There's no need for businesses to close their doors during the national shutdown, says Moot police station commander.
The business community in the Moot is extremely uncertain about the safety of local businesses during the EFF national shutdown scheduled for Monday.
Moot police spokesperson Warrant Officer Duane Lightfoot said his station commander, Colonel Giben Mashaba, has received several calls from business owners who are worried about the protest action’s possible negative effects on their businesses.
“Several business owners are uncertain regarding whether to open their businesses or not on the day of the national shutdown,” Lightfoot said.
He said although the police understood the reason for their anxiety, the business owners should rest assured that the police in Pretoria Moot are ready for any situation that might threaten both the community and business owners in the area.
“The police will deploy extra resources including members, vehicles and their partners in the security sector to prevent any onslaught on our community and businesses.”
He also urged residents to remain calm.
“I urge the business owners not to panic to an extent they feel compelled to close their businesses on March 20, because of the national shutdown,” Lightfoot said.
He said residents and business owners should however be vigilant and review their security measurements.
“Please report to the police if and when large groups of people are forming on the day for us to intervene, assess and react to any threatening situations timeously,” he said.
“The police will do everything within their power, working with stakeholders, to keep community members in the area safe.”
Addressing the media on Wednesday regarding the planned countrywide demonstrations, EFF leader Julius Malema said they had never told shops to close their doors on the day of the shutdown but instead only made them aware so they make the necessary preparations.
He said they advised shopowners of the demonstration because they want to avoid looting.
“We do not want looting on March 20.”
ALSO READ: Tshwane buses will run on Monday despite ‘national shutdown’ – metro
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