ANC calls for end to violent protests

The African National Congress (ANC) has called on protestors – demanding the release of former president Jacob Zuma – to refrain from violence, saying concerns must be raised via legitimate platforms.

Police say more than 60 suspects were arrested in Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal since the violent protests began.

In his address to the nation on Sunday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that government will not tolerate acts of criminality.

“As the ANC we are concerned. We do not believe that economic blockages, coming out to the streets, looting of shops, destruction of property, represent a fair way of dealing with the crisis. We think they must use legitimate platforms to register their concerns. We are a democratic country. There are many other platforms that could be utilised to do this. All we want is peace in the land,” says ANC spokesperson, Pule Mabe.

KZN ANC provincial committee convenes an emergency meeting to solve the ongoing unrest:

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has on the other hand called on ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa to acknowledge that the protests are part of the ANC power battle that has spilled onto the streets of South Africa.

“The president must match his strong words with strong actions against the perpetrators. We are a law and rules-based society. We cannot go into a free-fall as we have seen all over the country. The president must also acknowledge that this is an ANC battle that has spilled onto the streets of SA. There is very little acknowledgement of the fact that this is a battle that was raging in the ANC around Zuma,” says DA leader, John Steenhuisen.

At least six people are said to have died amid the demonstrations and 219 others have been arrested.

Four of the deceased are from Gauteng while two others from KwaZulu-Natal.

Looting continues as police secure scene where body was found in Gauteng: