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AFP
Johannesburg
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday returned early from a summit in London to rush to the scene of violent demonstrations in North West province, where at least 23 people have been arrested.
Ramaphosa, who took power in February, expressed"serious concern" over the clashes between police and protesters, and called for calm as he faced one of the first major challenges of his presidency.
Violent protests are common in South Africa, but North West province has been a hotbed of unrest due to boiling frustration over lack of housing, health services and jobs.
Television images showed police firing rubber bullets on Friday morning to break up crowds of protesters in Mahikeng, the provincial capital, shortly before Ramaphosa was due to arrive.
Footage from Thursday showed thick smoke rising into the air in and around the city, while protesters looted shops and burned vehicles overnight.
Ramaphosa called in a statement for"all aggrieved parties to express their grievances through peaceful means and engagement rather than violence and anarchy."
He also urged security forces to"exercise maximum restraint".
Local media said one person was thought to have died in the demonstrations, which erupted earlier this week.
The trigger for the unrest was reportedly the death on Tuesday of two patients at a health clinic that was closed due to a month-long dispute over health workers' salaries and contracts.
Much of the anger has been directed at Supra Mahumapelo, the provincial premier, who is accused of involvement in the government graft scandals that have engulfed the ruling ANC (African National Congress) party.
The border to neighbouring Botswana was closed due to the violence, according to Botswanan officials, while schools, shops, offices and government services across North West province were shut on Friday.
