Violence erupts in Zithobeni

Protesters have torched their local library as well as a private residence.

FILE: Zithobeni residents staged running battles with the police throughout the day on 31 January. Picture: Vumani Mkhize/EWN.

JOHANNESBURG - Residents of Zithobeni outside Bronkhorstspruit have torched their local library as well as a resident's home this morning.

Residents have been up in arms since Thursday, claiming they're being charged too much for water and electricity services which they say they've gone without for more than three weeks.

They are demanding that Tshwane Mayor Kgosientsho Ramokgopa meet with them in person and accept their memorandum of demands.

At the weekend, residents warned they won't stop setting state property alight until government takes them seriously.

The police's Johannes Japhta says the area is still extremely volatile.

Last week, protesters had set fire to their local police station, a municipal office and three trucks.

Twelve people were later arrested for vandalising state property.

A municipal building and satellite police station is torched by angry protesters in Bronkhorstspruit on 31 January. Picture: Supplied.

Police gather to plan their strategy against violent protesters in Zithobeni outside Bronkhorstspruit on 31 January 2014. Picture: Masego Rahlaga/EWN.