Ramaphosa, ANC urge calm as protests spread from KZN
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on communities in KwaZulu-Natal to protest peacefully and not to undermine the rule of law.
Violence erupted in the province as anger spread over the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma on Wednesday evening.
Supporters calling for Zuma's release have been blocking major highways, including the N3 and N2.
At least 29 trucks have also been torched.
"President Ramaphosa says the impact of public violence against the road freight industry and damage to freeways that serve as economic arteries will be felt also by the people organising and committing these crimes,” says the president's spokesperson Tyrone Seale.
"The President says the reasons allegedly advanced for the violence in KwaZulu-Natal cannot be used to legitimise vandalism and public violence.
"The Constitution protects the right to protest but protest cannot be abused to break the law or to destroy property and threaten livelihoods.
"Criminal elements must be met with the full might of the law.”
"The President therefore commends the South African Police Service for their efforts to quell violence."
At least 27 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.
On Sunday morning, there were reports of violence in several areas in Johannesburg, including Malvern.
The African National Congress (ANC) has also expressed concern over the ongoing violence.
"The destruction of property and infrastructure and looting accompany these violent protests must be condemned in the strongest possible terms," said the party's national spokesperson, Pule Mabe.
"The ANC recognises and respects the rights of every South African to protest peacefully and unarmed and freely to express their views on any matter of concern.
"The ANC has instructed the Provincial Executive Committee of KwaZulu-Natal and NEC (National Executive Committee) deployees to KZN, to intervene immediately and engage our structures and all relevant stakeholders.
"Bringing peace and stability to affected areas is a priority for the ANC."
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