South African township residents burn buildings during protest for lower electricity rates

JOHANNESBURG – South African police say protesters demanding lower electricity prices have burned down several buildings east of the capital, Pretoria, a day after dozens of people were arrested in another violent protest in the area.

The South African Press Association quotes police as saying the demonstrators set a clinic, a hall and a house on fire Wednesday in the Bronkhorstspruit district. There were no reported injuries.

Last week, protesters burned a police station and municipal offices in the district.

Municipal officials have said residents are protesting because they are unable to buy pre-paid electricity under a system that recently crashed. Residents say they have in the meantime been hit with higher utility bills.

Violent protests periodically break out in some poor South African communities that complain of inadequate government services.