The manager of the market, Leon Oosthuizen, tells the OFM Business Hour that following court action by the Grand Parade Traders Association against the City of Cape Town, and the ministers of Co-operative Governance, Small Business Development and Police over the issuing of permits last year, the area where the Bloemfontein market operates was rezoned to a Special Economic Zone.  He says following this rezoning, the market could operate under the same conditions and legislation as local malls and shopping centers etc. 

The Free State Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, Roy Jankielsohn, says they are also seeking legal advice on the matter and will approach authorities thereafter. 

Jankielsohn 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.