WATCH: Rubber bullets fired at water rates protest
Updated | By Maidi Monareng
Police have fired rubber bullets at protesting residents in Mankweng in Limpopo.
Members of the public order policing unit were sent to monitor the situation where protests broke out on Wednesday morning, with schools and shops forced to close their doors.
Residents were protesting against what they say are "unreasonably high" water bills.
They're now demanding their water bills be scrapped.
Resident Makama Malebana says: "We have a problem with the assessment rates. We are pleading with government to cancel residents' debt. There has been erratic water billing."
Limpopo police spokesperson Ronel Otto said roads were still closed.
"Residents have been protesting since earlier this week. However, on Wednesday morning, they started blocking roads," Otto said.
Public order police are on scene, but motorists have been advised to avoid the area.
The Polokwane Municipality was not immediately available for comment.
#RatesProtest Police are trying to disperse the group of protestors. pic.twitter.com/xqHhv8hMdY
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) February 10, 2016
#RatesProtest Mankweng residents are protesting against “unreasonably high” water bills. pic.twitter.com/NlG5aN2r8F
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) February 10, 2016
#RatesProtest Schools and shops have closed for the day as residents protest high water bills. pic.twitter.com/HFmnJFy8Hb
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) February 10, 2016
#RatesProtests About 500 protestors have taken to the streets. pic.twitter.com/Ix2fuT7kIl
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) February 10, 2016
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