Violence erupted in Thembalethu township, outside George, on Wednesday when residents clashed with police in service delivery protests, Southern Cape police said.
“The situation is very tense. The people are throwing petrol bombs at the police,” said Captain Bernadine Steyn.
A policeman was hit by an object thrown by the protesters.
“One of our members has been rushed to hospital after being hit above his eye,” she said.
Three police vehicles were damaged and the Thembalethu police station was pelted with stones.
“We are making arrests. I am not sure now how many people we have taken in but we are arresting the violent protesters,” said Steyn.
Police fired rubber bullets and water cannons were used to disperse the crowd.
Residents protesting over poor service delivery had set up burning tyre barricades in the streets. The community was reportedly enraged by water and sanitation problems in the township.
Police said around 4 000 people had gathered and more were joining the protest. – Sapa