JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng police have arrested one person during water protests in Coronationville, Johannesburg.
Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo says the suspect was taken in for allegedly throwing stones at officers.
Tensions flared on Wednesday morning as scores of people took to the streets, demanding an end to the water cuts that have plagued them for years.
READ | WATCH | Tear gas, rubber bullets fly at Coronationville water protest
The protest turned violent when police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. Several people were struck.
A number of roads, including major routes, were blocked.
While community members insisted they were holding a peaceful protest, Masondo disputed this.
He said when police tried to clear roads of burning tyres, protesters threw stones, forcing police to respond with minimal force.
Masondo warned that while residents have a right to protest, “they can not infringe on the rights of others”.