North West acting premier Paul Sebegoe on Monday urged residents of Boitumelong township in Bloemhof to stop destroying properties during protests.
“We wish to condemn in the strongest terms possible the destruction of private and public property, looting of several tuck-shops as it undermines the right to peaceful protest,” he said in a statement.
He said violence was not a solution for residents when they were unhappy about service delivery.
“When communities do not get any joy from local engagements, they should escalate their dissatisfaction to the provincial government for intervention instead of opting for unlawful violent protests.”
The provincial government was studying reports from officials who were sent to the area to meet with the municipality and affected communities.
North West police said earlier that protesters had torched six houses including that of the mayor.
