South Africa: 120 arrested for violent protests

Over 120 people have been arrested and charged with public violence after protests in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa turned violent on Monday, according to local media.

“Community members started protesting late yesterday, apparently complaining about the renomination of the former mayor for the upcoming elections,” said the provincial police spokesperson Major Thulani Zwane.

Hundreds of community members came out to protest, torching factories and several vehicles. The residents were seen burning tyres, stoning buildings and blocking main roads during the protest.

“The protests turned violent when four factories, a truck, two vehicles and five containers were set alight,” police spokesperson Major Thulani Zwane said.

“They are burning anything they get their hands on” – KZN protest #SouthAfrica https://t.co/8hsPZPgHdO via SATodayNews

— Sionann (Sionann_) March 7, 2016

“A total of 120 suspects were arrested and charged with public violence, arson and malicious damage to property,” he added.

According to one councillor, the residents were demanding employment on public works program and the RDP homes.

Local media also reported that workers in Isithebe in the Mandeni District Municipality in northern KZN have been told to stay at home and out of the city centre where violent protests have broken out.