S. Africans protest over lack of jobs and houses

South African riot police fired tear gas and arrested a few on Wednesday amid protests over lack of housing and jobs.

The wave of protests started in Eldorado Park and Ennerdale, highly populated areas in South Africa's Johannesburg on Monday.

The South Africa Police Service (SAPS) had to fire stun grenades and tear gas to disperse thousands of protesters who had blocked the highways and burnt tires. An SAPS press statement stated that more 50 protesters were arrested during the unrest on Wednesday.

A number of groceries items, including hair products, food and refreshment drinks were looted, but some of the items were recovered by the police during a raid.

During the unprotected demonstrations over lack of housing and jobs, several shops belonging to mostly foreigners were also damaged and looted.

The protesters alleged that the government was neglecting the high density populated townships decades after the attainment of democracy.

One of the protesters told Xinhua that his patience of waiting for a subsidized government house had run out.

"The government has been promising us houses but nothing came out of those promises," said Andile Nkosi, one of the protestors.

"As residents of this area, we're tired of empty promises from the government," Community spokesperson David Grey said, adding that unemployment and poor local services were a concern for residents.

The SAPS police would continue to monitor the situation and will only move out when the situation normalizes, according to Lungelo Dlamini, Gauteng police spokesman.

The wave of protests have also spread to other areas, including the capital city. Endit