A barber shop and a beauty salon at the Vangate Mall in Athlone are operating despite being prohibited from doing so under lockdown alert Level 3.
The Daily Voice on Tuesday witnessed customers entering the shops and being assisted.
Both shops opened their roller doors and there were curtains hung over the entrances, presumably to hide what was happening inside the premises.
The advertisement board of the beauty salon was also out on display.
Another barber at the mall, who is adhering to the regulations and keeping his shop closed, confirmed the shops were operating.
“The landlord is aware of this, but they are turning a blind eye,” the barber said.
“I am paying rent while I am closed, yet there are people who are allowed to operate. It is not fair.”
The centre this month increased rent for some of its tenants from R4300 to R6000.
He says the police often pass there but do nothing: “The police, Metro Police, they all pass here like they do not see what is happening.
“I do not understand why we are not allowed to open under Level 3. We are one of the most hygienic trades.”
Recently, a group of hairdressers lodged an urgent court bid to allow them to operate during the lockdown, but the application was dismissed by the Western Cape High Court.
When the Daily Voice asked Ali Essa, who manages Vangate Mall kiosks, if he was aware of the situation, he became defensive and said: “I am not a security guard or a Law Enforcement officer. I did not allow anyone to operate, they did that of their own will.”
He later said he would speak to the barber and salon owner.
OPEN SEASON: Vangate Mall barber and beauty salon owners open up for business
Police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk said all those breaking the law can be reported.
“Be advised that a person breaking the Disaster Management Act laws can be reported at the local police station.”
Over 230 000 people have so far been arrested for violating the lockdown regulations.
The arrests could result in those found guilty having a criminal record.