#ZumaProtests: Businesses in CBD close amidst panic

Businesses in Randfontein CBD are closed after messages that were circulated on social media this morning caused panic among residents.

This came in the wake of the violent protests the country had been seeing following the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma last week.

The Herald has been inundated with messages on Facebook by panic-stricken individuals claiming there are ongoing protests in some parts of Randfontein since Sunday, July 11.

The Herald also received a message of coordinated protests across various areas, which included Mohlakeng and Bekkersdal (R28).

To follow up on these repots, the Herald drove around and found that only businesses in the Randfontein CBD, and Village Square Mall were closed. After staking out at Tambotie Mall, it seemed that it was business as usual.

National Police spokesperson, Colonel Brenda Muridili urged people to refrain from circulating inflammatory messages, inciting violence and lawlessness.

“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,” Mudirili warned.

In his address to the nation in which President Cyril Ramaphosa extended lockdown level 4 by two weeks, he also condemned the violent protests – warning that those who break lockdown regulations will be arrested and prosecuted.