BREAKING NEWS – Business as usual in Mokopane – for now

The Mokopane Chamber of Business this morning (Thursday) confirmed that they did not expect a shut-down of the town and that it would be business as usual today.
Chamber Chairperson Andy Goetsch telephonically indicated that, contrary to yesterday (Wednesday), businesses in Mokopane were open and ready to trade.
“Yesterday saw a complete shut-down of the town as business owners and staff were threatened by angry protesters. Protesters marched through the city and set alight refuse bags in the streets,” Goetsch said. He added that Police at one stage fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
“We neither allow nor afford to keep our doors shut because of protest action. The town is losing a lot of money and it will definitely have an effect on its economic status. Marches and protest action will not solve the problem at the municipality – it indeed causes more damage,” he stated.
He added that he had received numerous calls from businesspersons who indicated that they were scared to open. “We urge businesses to open but to be on alert and close as soon as looming activities are noticed. Even if a business can earn money for an hour or two it is preferable to losing a day’s money for being closed.”
Provincial Police Communications Head Motlafela Mojapelo did not respond to inquiries regarding the situation in Mokopane this morning.

Story: RC Myburgh
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