Johannesburg - There was no justification for setting fire to houses in Soweto in protest against high electricity prices, the South African Communist Party said on Wednesday.
“We want to categorically state that these actions are criminal, barbaric and uncalled for,” spokesperson Pat Ntsobi said.
“Some of these hooligans were featured on TV committing these criminal actions and even spoke on radio justifying their hooliganism. We cannot stand aside whilst hooligans are spreading intimidation and lawlessness in our communities. We should expose and isolate these criminals.”
Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa told SABC news: “They can't solve issues of tariff hikes this way, because here we are dealing with lives of people.”
Five people were arrested for allegedly damaging and setting fire to the Chiawelo, Soweto, homes of councillor Joe Nemayngane and former councillor Mirriam Ramafola during Tuesday's protest. Residents barricaded parts of Chris Hani Road (previously Old Potchefstroom Road) with stones.
They alleged they were paying higher electricity prices in their area. They were also unhappy with the installation of pre-paid electricity meters. - Sapa