At least 87 people were arrested on Monday morning while participating in protests in South Africa.
The 87 protesters were part of the many South Africans who heeded to the countrywide protests call made by the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, led by Julius Malema.
South African police say the arrests were made in different parts of the country.
“Of the 87 arrested, 41 were arrested in Gauteng, 29 in North West, 15 in Free State. There are also arrests in other provinces such as Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape. Updates will be provided as and when information becomes available,” police said.
Thousands of South Africans took to the streets on Monday, in protests dubbed ‘National Shutdown’ as the country grapples with a smattering of issues, among them; unemployment, power cuts and wanton graft.
Several videos shared on Twitter early Monday showed protesters streaming into the streets in their numbers amid claims that a good majority had hit the streets as early as 1 a.m.
Protesters want the country’s Head of State Cyril Ramaphosa to step down, accusing him of failing to address the issues.
“On the 20th of March, we have to shut down this country to show the whole world that we are concerned about the state of affairs. We can’t fold our arms,” Malema said in a video message on the weekend.
The party also advised non-essential workers to remain home, or join the protests, claiming that this will be the start of an unstoppable revolution.