20 buses burnt, shops looted in South Africa protest

By Hassan Isilow

PRETORIA (AA) – At least 20 buses have been burnt and several shops looted during protests against the replacement of a city mayor on the outskirts of South African capital Pretoria, local police said Tuesday.

Protests began in parts of Pretoria on Monday after the African National Congress announced it would replace the current Mayor, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, with Thoko Didiza in the upcoming local government elections.

According to police, Ramokgopa’s supporters immediately went on rampage following the announcement, saying Didiza was an outsider from another province and could not be chosen to lead them.

South Africa will hold local government elections on Aug. 3.

“I can confirm that 20 buses were burnt on Monday night in Mamelodi township, and the Aglen Mall in Atteridgeville township was looted Tuesday morning,” Pretoria Metro Police spokesman Isaac Mahamba told Anadolu Agency Tuesday.

Mahamba said police had been deployed to affected areas to restore calm. “We have made some arrests but will give the numbers at a later stage,’’ he said via telephone.

Police also confirmed that one person was shot and killed during the violence which spread to other townships on the outskirts of the capital city.

Protesters could be seen burning tires and barricading roads in Atteridgeville township, some 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from the Pretoria city center.

Roads have also been blockaded on the busy M1 highway, leaving several motorists stranded.

The African National Congress condemned the violence and called on law enforcement officers to deal with violent protesters.

The ruling party also said its choice for Didiza as its mayoral candidate was well planned because she was a senior and seasoned leader of the former liberation movement with extensive experience in governance.

“Her nomination for mayoral candidate demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the capacity of leadership at local government level across the board,” the party said in a statement.

But supporters of Ramokgopa say they would continue protesting until the ruling party takes back its decision.