Driefontein violence has escalated, with stone-throwing mobs attacking Mayor Vincent Madlala. The mayor had to run for cover under a hail of stones. He was attempting to address the crowd when they attacked.

Police opened fire with rubber bullets in an attempt to restore order.

Running battles between police and protesters are now underway.

Protesters also stoned a Ladysmith Gazette vehicle. Our journalist is in the thick of the fighting…

The mayor is watching, clearly disappointed, as police fire at the mob, who are scattering to nearby hills. The protest is about service delivery.