Women, men and children were out on the streets of Zamdela in South Africa on Wednesday after three days of violent unrest came to an end.

The violence was a reaction to plans to merge the municipality of Sasolburg with that of Ngwathe. On Monday morning a group of protesters knocked over a fence and went on to steal alcohol and food. They continued looting even when a police helicopter hovered directly above them, dispersing when the police fired rubber bullets, but re-grouped again soon afterwards.

Police spokesman Colonel Sam Makhele said that as many as 250 people have been arrested and charged with public violence and malicious damage to property.

As the unrest continued on Tuesday, journalists were also targeted. One French photographer was reportedly 'hit on the head with a rock', and photographs were shared online claiming that journalists' cars had been damaged by rocks.

Reports suggest that at least two protesters may have been killed, however police are refusing to confirm.