The Free State Democratic Alliance (DA) is amongst those who have expressed their unhappiness with the incident which occurred this past Saturday. Leader of the party in the province, Roy Jankielsohn, has come out in defence of the organisers of the open air market, saying they have ensured that Covid-19 regulations were being adhered to by limiting the number of market attendees. 

He says the market has become an important weekly economic opportunity for local entrepreneurs and the closure thereof has an impact on the local economy. “The closure of this weekly market by the Bainsvlei SAPS Station Commander, using threats on the day of the market, is not conducive to a sound relationship between the SAPS and the community. 

"The organisers of the market have indicated that the market is zoned as a local Special Economic Zone and not a flea market,” says Jankielsohn. The market’s Facebook page has also been inundated with messages of concern and unhappiness at the closure with some making a comparison between the police’s treatment of the market and the organisers of the pro President Jacob Zuma gathering that took place in Nkandla ahead of the former head of state’s apprehension in jail.

Free State police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, previously told OFM News the action taken against the Farmers' Market was due to the Covid-19 regulations which was ignored at the market. Makhele stated that services in places such as flee markets, night clubs and casinos, amongst others, are suspended until 25 July 2021 under level 4 Covid-19 regulations that were announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. He further stated that police acted swiftly in ordering the closing of the flee market and dispersed people who were there as the gathering was deemed unlawful under adjusted level 4 regulations.

OFM News