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5 dead in South Africa as violence erupts over mayoral candidate

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5 dead in South Africa as violence erupts over mayoral candidate

Reports say the death toll arising from street violence in South Africa has risen to five as two more dead bodies have been discovered.

According to police, about 200 rioters have been arrested following the violence triggered by the ruling party’s choice of a mayoral candidate for a local vote.

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Reports say looters attacked foreign-own shops in Pretoria as public anger mounted over economic hardship in the build-up to an Aug. 3 election likely to become a referendum on President Jacob Zuma’s rule.

Colonel Noxolo Kweza, police spokeswoman for Gauteng Province, said those arrested would be charged with violence, possession of unlicensed firearms and damage to property.

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