13 arrested in Diepsloot following unrest

Diepsloot residents arrested after clashes with police

Police says they will continue to maintain a strong presence in Diepsloot north of Johannesburg following overnight clashes between residents and the police.

Thirteen people have been arrested for public violence and looting. Metro police spokesperson, Wayne Minnaar, says police had to fire rubber bullets to disperse a group of residents who barricaded roads with rocks and burning tyres. He says the residents used live ammunition against the police. Some local businesses were also looted.

Minnaar says it's not clear at this stage if last night's violence was aimed solely at foreign nationals, like recent attacks in Diepsloot and Alexandra: "We had housed 23 foreigners last night and they were from different countries. We housed them at the Apostolic church in Diepsloot where we had officers who were present to monitor the church in other words to give them protection. But I cannot say that the attacks are specific."