Johannesburg - Four more people were arrested during service delivery protests in Protea Glen south, Soweto, on Thursday, police said.
Four men were arrested for looting during the protests, bringing the total number of arrests to 23, said Warrant Officer Kay Makhubela.
“There are still rocks blocking some parts of the Old Potch road to Lenasia, but the road leading to Baragwanath from the 1/8Protea Magistrate's Court 3/8 has been opened,” Makhubela said.
Protesters wanted members of the Gauteng government to address them, he said.
“ 1/8The protesters' 3/8 leaders went for a meeting with government representatives and came back to give feedback.... The feedback was not accepted.”
Earlier in the day, Protea Glen south residents said they wanted an MEC or the premier to listen to them.
Makhubela said the police and the Johannesburg metro police would remain on high alert in the area, although most picketers had dispersed.
He said some groups had to be dispersed with teargas after they threatened to sleep in the streets until they were spoken to.
Residents began protesting at 3am demanding better service delivery.
“As police were trying to remove objects off the road, they were throwing stones at them,” Makhubela said. Police retaliated with rubber bullets.
After midday, crowds dispersed but returned in larger numbers.
Chris Hani Drive remained closed at the N12 link, due to burning tyres on the road, said Johannesburg metro police spokesman Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar.
“Motorists are advised to access Soweto through Kliptown and Diepkloof, as the Protea Glen south area is not safe,” he said.
Minnaar further advised motorists to use Impala Road to go through Dobsonville and Diepkloof.
Sapa6