An unruly gang of about 100 youths barricaded roads, looted spaza shops and stoned motorists and police in Khutsong on Sunday morning, reported South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) radio news.
The situation had been ”tense” since Friday, when residents resolved to intensify a defiance campaign against the incorporation of their municipality into what they perceive as the poorer province of North West, instead of Gauteng.
The Merafong Demarcation Forum (MDF), under whose auspices the campaign was being conducted, had distanced itself from the youths’ actions.
According to the SABC, the youngsters were stopping motorists — particularly those in vehicles with North West number plates — demanding money, then stoning those who refused to pay.
They had also stoned police who arrived to investigate the looting of spaza shops and had barricaded the roads with rocks and other objects.
The MDF had indicated that it wanted to take the government to the Constitutional Court over the re-demarcation, but could not afford the legal fees and was in negotiations with lawyers.
The government, in turn, had indicated that it would defend any court challenge.
The SABC reported that South African Communist Party leadership would hold a meeting with residents at 10am on Monday.
Meanwhile, North West police were patrolling the area. — Sapa