So far, the police have arrested 28 suspects linked to the violence that had characterised the demonstrations since Wednesday.

“The suspects were charged with public violence and contravention of the Disaster Management Act.

They are expected to appear in court soon and more arrests are imminent,” said Moeti Mmusi, the spokesperson for the department. A group of protestors also temporarily closed the N4 Toll Road and N11 on August 19.

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“Several vehicles, including a truck, a bus and a minibus, were torched. Several roads coming in and of the surrounding townships were barricaded with burning objects and stones. Some shops owned by foreign nationals were also looted,” Mmusi said.

This protests follows the recent increase in rates and taxes by the municipality. Shongwe and the provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Semakaleng Manamela, paid a courtesy visit to the area, where they were briefed on the progress the police were making in curbing the violence.

He applauded the security agency for urgently bringing the situation under control. Shongwe decried the violent protests and the destruction of private property. He said he was satisfied an urgent council sitting would take place today to resolve the impasse between the municipality and the residents.

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“This is one of the best run municipalities, because for many years it has produced clean audit reports. Therefore, we must do everything to protect it,” said Shongwe.

“It is unfortunate what happened here. People have a right to protest, but it must be done within the ambit of the law. We should not allow criminality to find its way through the protests.”