Johannesburg - Eight people were arrested for public violence during a protest in Bekkersdal on Friday, Gauteng police said.
The protest started when disgruntled residents wanted to march to the Westonaria municipal offices, but were refused permission, Colonel Katlego Mogale said.
“They started throwing stones and things in the road and a Bangladeshi shop was looted.”
Three people were arrested for the looting.
Just after 3pm, the protesters were standing in groups with debris still strewn in the streets, said Mogale.
“They keep regrouping and when the police move away they find a new target,” she said.
Police would remain in the area to monitor the situation.
Co-operative governance MEC Jacob Mamabolo said in a statement the protesters had wanted to submit a memorandum about a delayed auditor general's forensic report on the municipality, and the removal of its mayor.
He said there had been progress in provision of services in the area.
“We cannot afford any more damages to public property in the name of service delivery. The money we have injected in the commuity is a sign that we want to uplift the community of Westonaria for the better.
“It is premature to call for the removal of the executive mayor as we are still waiting for the auditor general's forensic report,” he said.
Sapa