20 arrested for public violence in Lenasia: Police

26 February 2015 - 16:04 By Sapa
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Twenty people were arrested for public violence in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, Gauteng police said.

Lieutenant Kay Makhubela said a large number of Thembelihle residents had blocked a road and tried to burn down a house.

"They were throwing petrol bombs at the house. The police managed to disperse them," he said.

The house was not burnt. It belonged to a 47-year-old man who allegedly shot and wounded two people during a confrontation between residents of Thembelihle and Lenasia Extension 11 on Wednesday night.

Fights broke out after Thembelihle residents allegedly tried to burn electricity boxes in the area.

"While the police were restoring order, some residents from Thembelihle threw stones at the Lenasia residents," he said.

"It is alleged the man took out a gun and fired at Thembelihle residents, injuring two people."

The man was expected to appear in the Protea Magistrate's Court on Friday.

Makhubela said Thembelihle residents regrouped on Thursday and blocked the road before trying to burn the house down.

A large contingent of police had been deployed to restore order.

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