Police have arrested 16 Siyathemba residents in connection with violent protests in the Mpumalanga township.

Residents blockaded roads with burning tyres on Monday morning. They also tried to burn down a municipal building.

They were protesting against poor service delivery and a lack of jobs.

The residents apprehended are being held at the Balfour Police Station. They will appear in the local magistrate’s court on charges of public violence later this week.

Dozens of police officers patrolling the area on foot have managed to restore calm, but they are not letting their guard down.

Firefighters have also put out the flames which sprung up when tyres and tree logs were set alight.

Black smoke could occasionally be seen rising from the township on Monday evening but many of the residents have resumed their daily chores.