Pretoria - Twelve Palmridge residents have been arrested for public violence on the East Rand, police said on Monday.
Earlier this morning, hundreds of protesters blocked roads with burning tyres and stones, Constable Lindelani Dladla told BuaNews.
"When a police van arrived on the scene, the road was blocked with stones, which prompted police to make arrests."
She said the residents were protesting over alleged lack of electricity, toilets and water as well as the removal of a ward councillor.
"Marchers told the police that they would not stop picketing until the current ward councillor was removed from his position."
She said the police had to open fire with rubber bullets when the protesters started throwing stones at them.
"However, no one was injured and the police will be monitoring the affected areas to ensure safety and security," said Dladla.
Meanwhile, the police have arrested 22 suspects after violent protests erupted again today in the Sakhile Township in Standerton, Mpumalanga.
"Residents have again blockaded the R23 main road with stones and tyres," police spokesperson Captain Leonard Hlati told BuaNews, adding that the majority of the working class in the area were staying away from work today.
A few weeks ago residents went on a rampage looting, vandalising and burning council property over lack of service delivery and alleged corruption by local councillors.
Protesting residents are demanding that the entire Lekwa Local Municipality be dissolved immediately following the release of a report that revealed financial irregularities and mismanagement.
