Schools torched as tension intensifies during protest in South Africa

Protesters torched at least 13 schools during a protest over municipal demarcations in Vuwani, Limpopo Province, authorities said on Wednesday.

Police tried to disperse the protesters by firing rubber bullets and water cannons. There was no immediate report of injuries, police said.

The protest took place last week after the residents in the area lost a High Court bid to have Vuwani excluded from the Malamulele Municipality, where service delivery was believed to be poor.

Tension intensified on Wednesday following a short period of calm. Vuwani has been declared a no-go area.

Protesters placed burning tree branches across the main road leading out of the town and pelted the approaching vehicles with rocks, witnesses said.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minster Des van Rooyen visited the area over the weekend, trying to appease the protesters but to no avail.

Hundreds of police officers have since been deployed in the area to monitor the situation.

Motorists have been urged to avoid travelling in the area.

Source: XINHUA