Johannesburg – Police shot rubber bullets at violent protesters in Bekkersdal on Thursday, said police spokesperson Lungelo Dlamini.

“There were sporadic incidents of violence in Bekkersdal, where the protesters were throwing stones at the police,” Dlamini said.

He said tension in the township was heightened following the shootings and that police were on high alert.

He said seven people were arrested after the community centre was burnt down in the afternoon. They would appear in court soon on charges of public violence.

Fire engines were deployed and police were stationed everywhere in the area after protesters set the building alight at 14:00.

A group of Bekkersdal residents marched to the nearby Simunye township earlier in the day.

Police said the group was peaceful.

– SAPA