Rustenburg - Police fired rubber bullets at protesters in Majakaneng village, near Mooinooi, North West, on Wednesday.
“They were continuing to block and take charge of the roads. Minimum force had to be meted (out) to bring the situation under control,” spokesman Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.
He said protesters barricaded parts of the N4 with gates, stones, trees and burning tyres.
Seven people were arrested and would face charges including public violence and malicious damage to property.
Ngubane said the protests started on Monday when a bus was set alight and two shops owned by foreign nationals looted. Residents complained about water and electricity supply in the area.
Earlier, Methodist Bishop Paul Verryn said he and a colleague had stones thrown at them as they tried to speak to Majakaneng residents.
He said he and his fellow priest, who was from the area, walked away unharmed.
Several main roads were closed after protesters threw stones at vehicles travelling between Rustenburg and Pretoria. This led to traffic officials closing the road between Mooinooi and Brits.
The North West community safety department said three trucks and a light motor vehicle were set alight on Tuesday night. All four drivers escaped unharmed. No arrests had been made.
Sapa