Looting was rampant during a protest against the proposed merger of the Metsimaholo and Ngwathe municipalities this week in Zamdela, Sasolburg. Above: Residents loot a petrol station vending machine on Tuesday (January 22 2013). Pictures: Leon Sadiki/City Press

A protester eats chunks of the polony he looted from a store in the area.

Alcohol was a popular looting item.

A group of community members drag a gas stove from a nearby gas station looted.

Community members run away from police, alcohol in hand

Some looted by the trolley-full. Picture: Supplied