Calls for calm after South Africa protest deaths

Amnesty International has called for calm following violent protests which left four people dead in Tembisa, a South African township east of Johannesburg.

Thousands of residents took to the streets on Monday, protesting over the lack of basic services and high electricity tariffs.

They blocked off several roads with burning tyres, bricks and rubble.

A police station was also set alight.

It‘s alleged that the protesters who died were caught in crossfire between police and demonstrators.

Amnesty International has said swift action against those responsible for the deaths of the protesters must be taken.

“It is unacceptable for any person to get killed while exercising their right to protest, authorities must use restraint when it comes to the use of non-lethal weapons such as rubber bullets… however, protesters must also refrain from using violence and damaging infrastructure,” said Amnesty International’s Genevieve Quintal.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: AFP