President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday warned communities in KwaZulu-Natal to desist from undermining the rule of law and inflicting damage on the economy.
Ramaphosa made his comments after overnight unrest left more than 30 haulage trucks torched, main highways blocked, and shops looted in different parts of the province.
The violent protests are said to be part of a #Free Zuma campaign.
Also dubbed the #Shutdown KZN, the protests started on Friday in different parts of the province, including Empangeni and Mooi River.
Former president Jacob Zuma is locked up at Estcourt Correctional Centre, where he started serving a 15-month sentence for contempt of court on Thursday.
The unrest has seen laden haulage trucks set alight and dozens of shops looted across KZN.
Major highways remained closed on Saturday.
“Criminal elements must be met with the full might of the law,” said Ramaphosa.
The Constitution protects the right to protest.
However, the president warned: “Protest cannot be abused to break the law or to destroy property and threaten livelihoods”.
Ramaphosa commended the police for their efforts to quell violence.
Police said they had arrested 27 people in connection with the violence.
The president said he endorses the call by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala for calm in the province and for citizens to express themselves within the bounds of the law.
