Source: SA: 20 Zim travellers robbed, bus torched – NewZimbabwe 21/06/2016
A BUS carrying Zimbabweans was amongst the properties destroyed by rowdy crowds when violent protests broke up in Tshwane where residents are protesting against the naming of former Cabinet minister Thoko Didiza as the city’s mayoral candidate for the ANC.
At least 20 Zimbabweans travelling to Johannesburg are said to have been attacked and robbed of their valuables by violent protesters about 40km before Pretoria on Tuesday morning.
After robbing their victims, reports said, protesters burnt the bus the Zimbabweans were travelling, reducing it to a shell.
It is feared that another Zimbabweans may have been affected as reports have said as many as 19 buses were torched. It is also thought that haulage trucks using the same route were destroyed during riots which are reportedly still on-going.
According to reports, Tshwane residents turned violent as soon as the ruling ANC named Didiza as the party’s mayoral candidate in the forthcoming local government elections.
The South African government on Tuesday condemned the violence.
“Government appeals for calm in all areas around the City of Tshwane and the peaceful resolution of differences,” said the acting director general of the government communication and information services Donald Liphoko.
“Violence, damage to property and infringing on others rights and free movement will not be tolerated by law enforcement agencies. Perpetrators will face the full might of the law. Whilst all South Africans have the constitutional right to protest, government reiterates its condemnation against any form of violence and intimidation during protests and encourages continued dialogue to resolve differences”, said Liphoko.
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