Live ammunition was reportedly fired at protesters in Port Elizabeth's Northern Areas on Monday.

A reporter, Sandy McCowen, said about seven cartridges had been found and said it was "just mayhem at the moment".

Photos on social media showed at least two people have been badly injured.

Videos and photos on Twitter also showed petrol bombs being made and tyres being burned.

This comes as pupils and parents protest over the closure of 33 schools, due mainly to a shortage of teachers.

Access to the area had also been blocked off and there was "no way in or out", McCowen said.