S. African gov't vows to crackdown on violent protests

Violence, damage to property and infrastructure, and infringing on others' rights and free movement, including incitement of others to commit this type of offences, will not be tolerated by law enforcement agencies, the South African government warned on Tuesday.

"Those who make themselves guilty of such acts will face the full might of the law," government spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said in a statement.

This came after sporadic violent protests broke out in Pretoria and other places on Monday over a decision by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to place Thoko Didiza as its mayoral candidate for Pretoria to replace current mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa in the upcoming elections scheduled for August 3.

The protests continued unabated on Tuesday. Several townships have been burned and dozens of buses torched.

The protesters have vowed not to vote unless Ramokgopa continues to be the mayor.

"The destruction of property and chaos we have witnessed is highly unacceptable and should not be allowed to continue," said Dlamini.

The government calls for calm and for people to continue with their normal businesses as the government is responding adequately to the situation, said Dlamini.

"We call on people to be vigilant and avoid any violence related activities. We also call on all people not to allow themselves to be misled by a lot of misinformation circulating on social media and other platforms which are intended to cause confusion and unnecessary panic," she said.

The government has increased visible policing of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), and monitoring of hotspots will continue, Dlamini said.

Criminal matters arising out of these incidents are being prioritized, she added.

"Our democracy offers many avenues for people or communities to address any grievances. We therefore call on communities to raise grievances within the confines of the law. Those who ultimately decide to exercise their right to protest are advised to do so in a peaceful and orderly manner," said the spokesperson. Enditem