By Mamello Nhlapo
WELKOM: The Free State mining town of Welkom remained largely calm on Tuesday despite a planned nationwide shutdown, with most residents going about their daily routines while a peaceful march took place in the town.According to a statement from the Office of the Provincial Commissioner, about 50 people participated in a peaceful march from the intersection of Koppie Alleen and Stateway to Central Park in Welkom.
During the march, three memorandums were handed over to representatives from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Home Affairs and the Matjhabeng Local Municipality. Brigadier Disebo Cezula, Station Commander of Welkom, received the memorandum relating to police visibility and crime in the area.Businesses remained open, public transport operated as usual and there were no visible signs of disruption in the central business district.
Although the town appeared quieter than on a typical weekday, daily activities continued with minimal interruption.One local resident, Selloane Raselemane, said the atmosphere in town felt different from an ordinary Tuesday.”It is much quieter than a normal day. I think it’s because of everything that is happening today, but people are still going to work and businesses are still open,” said Raselemane.
Another resident said they had expected more disruption but were surprised by how peaceful the day had been.”I thought there would be more happening, but it’s been calm. People are carrying on with their lives as they normally would,” the resident said.Police spokesperson Sergeant Palesa Thabana said the gathering dispersed peacefully, with no incidents reported, no damage to property and no arrests made.
She added that police and other law enforcement agencies continue to monitor Welkom and other police station areas in the district to maintain stability and public order.The South African Government had earlier indicated that 30 June would remain a normal working day despite calls for nationwide demonstrations. Welkom experienced a peaceful march with no reports of violence, damage to property or arrests, while most residents continued with their daily routines.
