More arrests have been made as violent protests against the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma have spread to South Africa’s economic hub Johannesburg, authorities said on Sunday.

Several shops were ransacked on the outskirts of Johannesburg and roads and major thoroughfares in and around South Africa’s largest city were blocked by people calling for Zuma’s release.

79 year old Jacob Zuma started serving a prison sentence for contempt of court in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday night and the ensuing protests had largely been restricted to the coastal province so far.

In a statement, Col. Brenda Muridili of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) noted that businesses were looted and roads barricaded in Jeppestown and Alexandra, located on the outskirts of Johannesburg and 25 suspects have been arrested.

Police also dispersed about 300 people in Jeppestown who had blocked the M2 highway.