South Africa: Defence ministry warns Pretoria protesters

South Africa’s Defence ministry has condemned the two days violent protest which erupted in Pretoria on Monday, following the publication of municipal election nominees by the ruling African National Congress, ANC.

The nomination of Thozo Didiza as mayoral candidate for Tshwane has not been appreciated by some residents.

VIDEO: #Ramokgopa explains why #ThokoDidiza is candidate – residents scream no! #TshwaneUnrest #Attridgeville #enca pic.twitter.com/WBbjNcVUVc

— Lenyaro Sello (@lenyarosello) June 21, 2016

“Here is a capital city and we are not going to allow anarchists, hooligans and gangsters to take over maybe what is a legitimate concern of the communities. Take it over and turn it into anarchy,” Defence minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, said.

Close to 20 vehicles were burnt and roads blocked on Monday and Tuesday to protest the nomination of some candidates by the African National Congress for upcoming municipals scheduled for August 3.

Several arrests have already been made by the police and suspects are expected to face justice on Wednesday.

Investigations on a murder case and the destruction of property have been opened.

“So the destruction of infrastructure is not acceptable and cannot be acceptable. The law enforcement agencies will on 24 hour alert until we are certain that the situation is calm,” the Defence minister added.

ANC officials quickly washed their hands off the incident saying the violent reactions are not in anyway related to politics.

The election is expected to be tough with the Democratic Alliance and Economic Freedom Fighters promising to make things difficult for the ruling ANC party.