A joint operation between the South African Police Service and the City of Cape Town's law enforcement division demolished shacks erected on land that authorities claim is illegally occupied.

The operation started in Bloekombos near Kraaifontein, in the Western Cape province of South Africa, just after 9:00 am on Thursday (August 6) and lasted into the late afternoon.

Footage shows protesters and some violence between authorities and members of the community that are losing their homes.

According to local media, a private contractor was hired to conduct the demolitions, while law enforcement and army provided protection.

The filmer, Wesley Fester, told Newsflare: "There was sporadic stoning of police vehicles, but the crowd was mostly peaceful. After much of the operation was completed, there was some looting of foreign-owned shops within the nearby township. A few community leaders were arrested for inciting violence."