Communities turn to violent protests to express frustration: Institute

A national seminar on the issue is being hosted by the Institute for Security Studies.

There has been an increase in violent protests as the country prepares for the upcoming local government elections.

The institute's Lizette Lancaster says the number of protests have decreased but the number turning violent is on the rise.

She says research shows communities try air their problems through the correct channels first.

"What often happens is that these grievances are perceived not to be taken seriously by local government, effectively then after quiet a long period of time normally communities feel completely alienated and marginalised from democratic processes and this is often where groups within that crowd resort to violence when frustrations boil over," she said.