Approximately 500 shacks were reduced to ash on Thursday in what residents say began as an altercation involving someone living at the settlement

Protesters and police traded bricks for rubber bullets. Rocks and bricks scattered the streets where debris and tyres lay smoking.

But community safety MEC denies there is a vehicle shortage, while staff are allegedly threatened for speaking out.

An alleged murderer, endorsed by the Gauteng safety MEC, is just one of 28 candidates who have criminal records or are facing charges.