21 Zimbabweans travelling to Johannesburg attacked and robbed in SA

At least 21 Zimbabweans travelling to Johannesburg, South Africa were attacked and robbed of their valuables by violent protesters some 40km out of Pretoria along the N1 Highway on Tuesday morning.

The protesters also burnt to a shell the Eagle Liner bus the Zimbabweans were travelling in after stripping the helpless passengers of their valuables.

Eagle Liner proprietor Mr Dhalib Ishemeal said the victims had taken refuge at Hammanskraal police station since the situation was still volatile.

"All the 21 passengers are safe. It's still volatile, we are yet to get to the ground. We are waiting for the police to calm the situation.

"We also heard that there was another bus from another company which was burnt down as well. This is very unfortunate," said Mr Ishemeal.

Sources in Pretoria said haulage trucks and other vehicles which use the same route were burnt near Zebediela.

"The situation is still tense and a lot of vehicles were burnt as residents blocked roads with burning tyres," said the source.

It is understood that residents of Tshwane took to the streets protesting a decision by the ANC to name Thoko Didiza as the party's mayoral candidate in the forthcoming local government elections.

Details to follow.....