Roads have been blockaded in Pennyville in New Canada near Soweto and in Mohlakeng west of Johannesburg. Parts of Strand in the Western Cape are also still on lockdown after a vicious wave of protests swept over the country yesterday, with Johannesburg, Pretoria, Kroonstad, Kimberley, Emfuleni, Khayelitsha and Cape Town being adversely affected.

Police were reportedly firing rubber bullets in a bid to disperse protesters in Rust Ter Vaal while motorists grappled with blocked roads all over SA. Police in Rust Ter Vaal, outside Vereeniging, say protests in the area have led to the death of one person after protesters fired live ammunition.

There have also been reports of protesters hurling stones at motorists on the R82, passing through Rust Ter Vaal.

Police are reportedly firing rubber bullets on foot in a bid to disperse the protesters.

This follows the death of one member of the Red Ants – a notorious group providing security and eviction services – and one protester after clashes in the area on Wednesday.

A member of the Red Ants was attacked and killed with a sharp instrument before he was stoned by unruly members of the community squatting in an open space near Rust Ter Vaal, Vaal Weekblad reported.

Members of the Red Ants also allegedly killed one of the community members.

Three community members were taken to hospital with serious injuries. The Red Ants were reportedly clearing an unlawful squatter settlement.

Protests have also continued nationwide on Friday, a month before the general elections, with numerous reports of areas being shut down by protesters.

Free State police confirm three trucks have been burned on the R76 just out of Steynsrus, in the direction of Kroonstad.

The police released a list of several areas they are monitoring. Traffic to and from Soweto has been particularly badly affected.

National police commissioner general Khehla Sitole has called for calm following the death of two protestors. 

In a media statement issued late on Thursday night, Sitole said he condemned the killings as well as attacks on police officers - and the burning of private property - that had taken place earlier in the day during violent service delivery protests. 

A multidisciplinary task team comprising crime intelligence and "seasoned detectives" had been mobilised to investigate the attack on police, the death of the two protesters and the burning of the truck and private home, said the statement. 

"We have to bring those responsible to book as such behaviour is criminal and unacceptable,” said Sitole.

He appealed to community leaders to resolve their grievances in an amicable manner with the relevant stakeholders. “I call on the community of Soshanguve to be calm as public violence is no solution to any problem but rather a crime which is punishable by law.” 

The situation in Soshanguve was reported to be stable and calm and public order police would monitor the situation to bring about normalisation, according to the statement. 

African News Agency (ANA)/The Citizen