Arrests during anti-government protests in South Africa

Arrests during anti-government protests in South Africa

2012-02-15 14:44:49 GMT+7 (ICT)

JOHANNESBURG. SOUTH AFRICA (BNO NEWS) -- Dozens of people were arrested on Tuesday during anti-government protests in northeastern South Africa, local media reported on Wednesday.

Scores of protesters have been demonstrating against the failure of the South African government to deliver basic services in the town of Masoyi in Mpumalanga province. Police arrested at least 51 people during Tuesday's protest after foreign-owned shops were attacked, according to the South African Press Association (SAPA).

Captain Leonard Hlathi said those arrested were charged with public violence, theft, and malicious damage to property. "They broke into shops belonging to foreign nationals and looted them," he said, as quoted by SAPA.

Last weekend, police warned motorists to avoid the road from Masoyi to Hazyview, which protesters have blocked with stones and burning tyres since Saturday night. Authorities warned tourists traveling to Kruger National Park - a huge wildlife reserve - to take alternate routes.

A female protester was killed on Sunday after a truck accidentally reversed into her on a road barricaded by demonstrators. At least 10 protesters were arrested that afternoon for public violence and destruction of property.

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