Office workers evacuate Pretoria CBD‚ City of Tshwane confirms

The Pretoria CBD was ‘a no go’ area on Tuesday afternoon as capital city workers feared being caught up in election campaign violence.

City of Tshwane spokesman Blessing Manale said all the employees of the offices in the City were released at noon on Tuesday following threats and intimidation.

“People were feeling intimidated due to protests in the area so staff members were released early. We felt that protesters might be heading to the City’s buildings in the CBD so we had to shut down everything for the safety of our staff members.

“Street hawkers also vacated the CBD‚” Manale said.

According to eyewitnesses‚ businesses and factories were closed off after protesters started burning tyres and filling up the CBD.

“Protesters are burning tyres and surrounding shops are being looted by youngsters in the area‚” said an eyewitness.

Violence erupted in Pretoria on Monday following the announcement of new ANC Tshwane Mayoral candidate Thoko Didiza.

Protesters burnt cars‚ buses and trucks in Mamelodi‚ Soshanguve‚ Hartfield and Atteridgeville.

Earlier on Tuesday‚ warning messages were making rounds on social media warning residents to vacate the CBD and stay away from the area due to the tense situation.

Outgoing Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa is expected to address community members alongside ANC provincial chairperson Paul Mashatile and Minister of Health Aaron Motsoeledi.