Police Minister Nathi Mthetwa has warned of a crackdown on violent protests.
Mthetwa visited Ratanda township east of Johannesburg today where violent protests over service delivery saw several municipal buildings torched and the homes of councillors set alight.
Police also fought running battles with residents who blockaded roads and stoned passing cars and police vehicles in one of several violent protests that marred Human Rights Day.
Speaking to the media, Minister Mthetwa said police could not turn a blind eye to the violence.
"We have done everything possible to attend to this issue this protests in a humane way and it doesn't seem to be helping. We have done everything to an extent where police were under attack and if that happens, then they have to defend themselves," he said.
Meanwhile, Cooperative Government Minister, Richard Baloyi, said they had a fruitfull meeting with residents of Ratanda township.
He said while people expressed their anger and frustration at what was happening that also said that they cannot condone situations where people destroy property or attack homes of councillors and government property.\
