South African government condemns use of children during protests

She urged parents who involve children in destroying public property and committing violence during protests to refrain from such behavior. "Whilst every citizen has the constitutional right to protest, it is unacceptable when property and valuable public infrastructure are destroyed during protests," said Williams. She reiterated a call by President Jacob Zuma for restraint during protests and urged communities to be vigilant in countering all forms of protest that deny children their rights. In the protest over high electricity fees in Bronkhorstspruit on Wednesday, residents went on the rampage by burning down a local clinic and a house. The protest, which started on Tuesday, has now spread to the nearby Rethabiseng area. At least 30 people have been arrested for alleged involvement in public violence, police said.