Food Lover’s Market in Jabulani, Soweto, was forced to close its doors to shoppers on Monday morning after pressure from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Supporters of the party disrupted trade at the outlet.
The altercation began after an employee returned to work after an absence. Concerned that she might be carrying the virus, some of her colleagues contacted the EFF. The EFF claimed that the person in question had been ‘in quarantine’ and that the ‘employee was back at work without the company taking any precautionary measures’.
Food Lover’s Market denied the allegations and said the EFF had acted without evidence.
A company spokesman said: ‘We understand that this was for influenza. She was not tested for Covid-19 as she did not show any symptoms.’
The EFF had approached the store about the matter and on Saturday an agreement was concluded to have the employee tested. However, EFF supporters returned on Sunday and Monday, demanding that the store be closed. Owing to the intimidation, the store closed.
Results of the tests are awaited.
The EFF has organised a number of confrontations against businesses that it accuses of endangering their staff during the epidemic.