19 Arrested in Soweto protest

Nineteen protesters were arrested for public violence on Thursday in Protea Glen south, Soweto, police said.

   

"As police were trying to remove objects off the road, they were throwing stones at them," Warrant Officer Kay Makhubela said.

   

Police retaliated with rubber bullets. "The crowd initially dispersed but now they are coming back in larger numbers," Makhubela said.

   

Residents of Protea Glen south began protesting at 3am on Thursday demanding service delivery. Chris Hani drive had been closed at the N12 due to burning tyres on the road, metro police Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said.

   

"Motorists are advised to access Soweto through Kliptown and Diepkloof, as the Protea Glen south area is not safe," he said.

   

Police -- including officers in a helicopter -- were monitoring the situation.

   

- Sapa