Malamulele – Residents of Malamulele in Limpopo burnt down a government building and shops during a violent demarcation protest on Tuesday, the provincial police said.

“Almost 20 000 residents went on a rampage after a meeting to demand their own municipality was not acceded to by the demarcation board this morning,” said Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi.

“The residents ran amok, looting shops. The Malamulele crossing complex, and the home affairs office, and shops at the Mala plaza were burnt down.”

Stones and burning tyres were used to block roads. Forty people were arrested for public violence. They were expected to appear in the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Limpopo provincial commissioner Lt-Gen Fannie Masemola warned residents not to take the law into their own hands.

“When community members have complaints, they must not resort to any violent means and destroying of property. We will not hesitate to take action to bring the perpetrators to book,” he said.

Sapa