Protesters burn library in southeastern South Africa community on 3rd day of demonstrations

Protesters burn library in southeastern S.Africa

JOHANNESBURG — Protesters have torched a library in an impoverished area of South Africa in what began as a march to call for more jobs.

The South African Press Association says Tuesday’s attack came on the third day of violent protests in Siyathemba, some 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of Johannesburg.

Community leaders called for demonstrations to press a mine in the area to hire more people from Siyathemba. Organizer Zakhele Mayahe now says criminals took over the protests.

Siyathemba also saw protests last year by residents angry at the lack of houses, schools and municipal services. Such protests are a major challenge to President Jacob Zuma, who delivers his State of the Nation later this week, and his governing African National Congress.