Col Sdumo Ngcobo, Ermelo Police’s station commander, urged residents and businesses in and around Ermelo to be extra vigilant.

Reports of protests are doing the rounds on social media, but Col Ngcobo added that they can not confirm any protests at this time.

The Highvelder received information that numerous businesses are closing their doors for their own safety.

Ms Lorraine Ndebele, manager at Ermelo Spar, said that the news about their store being closed down, is fake news. 

Ermelo Spar is open and are trading. 

Capt Carla Prinsloo, spokesman for Ermelo police, said: “There is no reason for panic at the moment.”

She added that residents should report any large groups of people gathering to the police.

A tyre was set alight at the four-way stop at Acasia on the Mkhondo (Piet Retief) road, but no groups of people were seen.

Ermelo police are on the scene and monitoring the situation.

Resident should refrain from spreading fake information, and causing panic. 

The Highvelder will update readers as more information is available.