By the time of the Herald going to print, there had been no looting or protests linked to the nationwide unrest.
Although business seemed to continue as usual in both Carletonville and Fochville, Tuesday was much quieter. Some of the smaller shops in Carletonville were closed, but the larger supermarkets continued business as usual.
On Tuesday, the security at President Hyper was ramped up and police kept a watchful eye after information surfaced that looters from the Vereeniging area might be on their way there “to do shopping”. Luckily, nothing came of this.
At approximately 15:00 on the same day, a group of youngsters had just started closing the road between Carletonville and Welverdiend when the police chased them away. They also removed the rocks they had placed in the road.
Carletonville’s central business area and Oberholzer were quiet. The only large centre with a lot of shoppers was Pick n Pay, and streets were also quieter than usual. Although there were rumours on Wednesday that someone was inciting potential looters to storm Carletonville, nothing had materia-lised by the time the newspaper went to print. Numerous residents pleaded on social media that the unrest should not spill over into Merafong. “Please do not be persuaded to follow the lawlessness that seeks to undermine the rule of law. Political delinquents and their supporters get something out of paying allegiance to politicians,” one such resident, Jabulani W Dimema, pleaded. Several residents, particularly those supporting the ruling party, shared a message “Merafong. Carletonville. We refuse to join the looting. We also defend our city.”
“I am so proud to be living here. The level of maturity our people have demonstrated is amazing. I advise business people to try and work together with the community to address unemployment,” another resident, Makoae Tlali George commented. Other residents also started “No to looting” social media groups to motivate people from our area not to resort to looting.
The absence of violence or looting around Merafong stood in stark contrast to some neighbouring areas like Sebokeng and Vereeniging. Chaos ensued in various other parts of Gauteng. Some businesses in Potchefstroom were also closed as a precautionary measure.
Update: There has not been any looting or related problems in the Merafong City Local Municipality area on Wednesday night or this morning.
One of many similar messages sent around by some residents.
