Shop owner faces attempted murder charge

A foreign shop owner arrested in Bekkersdal, near Westonaria, will be charged with attempted murder, Gauteng police said on Wednesday.

Constable Elsie Tshonte said the man was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

"Police are now also investigating attempted murder," she said.

Residents told the police the man had a gun with which he had shot another man.

"Police officers searched the shop and found the gun."

Tshonte said police were continuing to monitor the area following violent service delivery protests.

Earlier, protesters gathered near the local taxi rank and burnt tyres.

Last week, 35 protesters were arrested and charged with public violence after a petrol bomb and stones were thrown into the police station.

Three police vehicles and a disaster management vehicle were damaged.

Tshonte said no protesters were arrested on Wednesday.