The service delivery protest in the Gugulethu informal settlement has been declared illegal by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

More than forty people have been arrested for public violence following the breakout of the protest on Monday morning. Protesting community members blocked the main road into the area and torched Independent Electoral Committee tent. Police are also investigating a case of arson after a building was set alight on Monday night.

The protestors said they would boycott the national election polls if the government does not deliver services.

Ekurhuleni city spokesperson Themba Radebe told Eyewitness News that the march was illegal because the community members had not prepared a memorandum of understanding stating their concerns. Radebe said the council would clamp down on those who continue to vent their anger through violence.

The municipality will not address residents about their grievances until the residents have appointed community leaders to represent them.

No incidents of violence were reported on Tuesday morning.