Johannesburg – A total of 45 people have been arrested in connection with public violence in Fochville near Carletonville this week, Gauteng police said on Wednesday.

The arrests were made on Monday and Tuesday when residents embarked on a service delivery protest, police spokesperson Katlego Mogale said.

Residents blocked roads with stones and burning tyres.

“A spaza shop, a bottle store, and a house, believed to belong to a councillor, were set on fire,” she said.

On Tuesday, a meeting was held with Community Cafety MEC Faith Mazibuko and Merafong municipality Mayor Maphefo Mogale Letsie.

The protest erupted when the mayor attempted to address residents, and the meeting was called off, said Mogale.

Those arrested would appear in the Carletonville Magistrate’s Court on Thursday

– SAPA