Johannesburg - Violence during a service delivery protest in Bekkersdal, Westonaria, was unacceptable, the ANC in Gauteng said on Friday.
“The ANC Gauteng condemns the persistent violent protest and burning of municipal buildings in Bekkersdal at West Rand,” spokesman Dumisa Ntuli said in a statement.
“Any violent conduct to highlight grievances is unacceptable and inexcusable.”
Police spokeswoman Constable Thembi Mhlangu was not able to confirm whether any municipal buildings were damaged in the protest.
“It is quiet now,” she said on Friday around 3pm.
Further details were not immediately available.
Ntuli said the protesters' professed grievance of poor sewerage infrastructure was a “disguise”.
“The protesters are making more political demands which would be impossible to discuss or address.
“It is an indication that there is more to the protest than what is at appearance level.”
Constable Evelyn Matabane said last Wednesday protesters had blockaded major roads and also demanded the resignation of some councillors and municipal employees.
Ntuli called on police to bring violent protesters to book.
“Any violent conduct to highlight certain demands cannot be accepted because it is tantamount to anarchy and disorder.”
Sapa