ANC welcomes arrest of Soweto protesters

The ANC has welcomed the arrest of five people allegedly connected to the protest in Chiawelo, Soweto where two houses were burnt down.

"The arrests certainly send a clear message to those behind the violence that no one is above the law," said African National Congress spokesman Jackson Mthembu in a statement.

"Barbaric and heinous acts as seen in Chiawelo will be met with the full might of the law wherever they occur".

Jackson said South Africans who had grievances should not participate in activities like burning private and public property.

The five arrested on Wednesday were expected to appear in court on Thursday.

Soweto residents were protesting against alleged higher electricity bills in their area when two houses, one belonging to a ward councillor, were set alight.