Bethal, Mpumalanga
- About 300 pupils wearing school uniform protested outside the Mzinoni police station near Bethal, in Mpumalanga, on Wednesday, said police.
Warrant Officer Mashilo Mapurunyane said they were demanding the release of 30 people arrested on Tuesday, following violent protests in the area.
“The children were trying to get into the police station, but they failed. The situation is now calm and clear,” said Mapurunyane.
It was alleged the people arrested set alight a house belonging to the parents of Govan Mbeki municipality mayor Lindi Masina.
They were also accused of destroying several shops belonging to Pakistanis.
Residents have reportedly been demanding employment at local coal mines since the beginning of the week.
The 30 people arrested would appear in the Bethal Magistrate's Court on Thursday on charges of public violence, arson and malicious damage to property, said Mapurunyane. - Sapa