A violent protest in South Africa’s Tshwane province led to the torching and robbing of a bus carrying at least 20 Zimbabweans. The protest by locals was aimed at voicing problems with the naming of ANC cabinet member Thoko Didiza as the city of Tshwane’s mayoral candidate.
The bus carrying the Zimbabweans  travelling towards Johannesburg was said to have been stopped about 40km out of Pretoria on Tuesday morning. This is where protesters are said to have attacked and robbed the Zimbabweans.
According to reports, after the protesters had pillaged their victims, they proceeded to burn the bus the Zimbabweans were travelling in leaving them stranded.
Reports of as many as 19 buses carrying Zimbabweans being burned and haulage trucks using the same root being destroyed have led to worries for more Zimbabweans being affected.
The South African government condemned the violence in a statement this Tuesday.
The statement by Donald Liphoko, acting general of the government communication and information services,”Government appeals for calm in all areas around the city of Tshwane and the peaceful resolution of differences.”
“Violence, damage of property and infringing on others rights and free movement will not be tolerated by the law enforcement agencies. Perpetrators will face the full might of the law. Whilst all South Africans have the constitutional right to protest, government retaliates its condemnation against any form of violence and intimidation during protests and encourages continued dialogue to resolve differences.”
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