South Africa: Zamdela 'riots' halt plans to merge Sasolburg and Ngwathe municipalities

'Riots' in Zamdela, just south of Sasolburg in South Africa, have led to the successful halting of controversial plans to merge the municipality with that of Ngwathe.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Richard Baloyi, confirmed that the plans had been shelved for now, following the unrest. He reportedly spoke with leaders of the Zamdela residents and negotiated an end to the violence.

Local residents have been protesting and 'rioting' since Sunday over the merger plans. Shops have been looted, cars set on fire, journalists allegedly attacked, and the municipal building which remains under construction was also set alight. Residents attempted to set fire to the police building, and move towards Sasolburg, however officers blocked the route and dispersed the protesters using water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas.

It is thought that at least one person was killed, and several others injured.

Police have confirmed that 187 people have been arrested since Sunday. (NewsPoint)