South African President Jacob Zuma said today police have his full support in dealing with protests that erupted this week over poor services.
Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas on Wednesday at township rioters calling for the removal of local officials of the ruling ANC party they accuse of corruption. Scores of protesters have been arrested.
The crisis is an early test for Mr Zuma, who took office in May after pledging to do more to help the poor. Financial woes in Africa's biggest economy have limited his ability to carry out that main plank of the ANC's election manifesto.
"The law enforcement agencies will continue to act swiftly and to take action against all who break the law. They have our full support," Mr Zuma said on Talk Radio 702.
The protests come as the government faces pressure from workers threatening strikes to back demands for higher wages.
A fuel sector union agreed to an improved 9.5 percent wage offer on Thursday but warned it may yet strike in sympathy with paper and chemical workers who downed tools this week.
Council workers are threatening to stay at home from Monday, action that could keep tens of thousands of local government employees at home, crippling the public sector. Gold and coal unions are considering a pay offer. If they reject it stoppages will hit some of the world's biggest mines.
Police said calm had returned to Siyathemba township, southeast of Johannesburg, after four days of rebellion. Violence flared in various townships after a series of strikes.
The scenes were reminiscent of attacks on foreigners last year that killed 62 people, and dented South Africa's image less than a year before it hosts the football world cup.
Reuters