Rising mass unrest in South Africa

In South Africa (South Africa), the death toll has risen as a result of riots in several provinces last week after former President Jacob Zuma was imprisoned. Protesters clash with police and loot shopping centers. The government is planning to bring in the army in several cities to restore order.

At least 45 people have died in the unrest that has taken over KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in the South African province since last Friday.

On Tuesday, for the fifth day in a row, the country’s largest city, Johannesburg, and St. Petersburg, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, hundreds of people stormed supermarkets and took out a variety of goods, from frozen meat and alcohol to refrigerators and furniture.

Ten dead were found in a looted shopping mall on the outskirts of Johannesburg on Monday. Police believe they have been beaten to death.

Many shops, petrol stations and government buildings have closed due to the unrest. Authorities have warned that shoplifting could lead to food shortages in some places.

There have been clashes between riots and police in many places. Protesters smeared the guards with stones and fuel bottles, while law enforcement officers responded with rubber bullets and tear gas.

Police have detained nearly 800 riot participants.

The police will be assisted by an army that will send 2,500 soldiers and military equipment to the unrest.

South Africa’s president, Siril Ramafos, accused criminal groups of inciting riots in a televised address on Monday.

“No resentment or political reason can justify the violence and devastation that has taken over KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. We will restore peace and order so that we can continue to rebuild the country and make life better for its people, “said the President.

Violent protests in the country began after former President Jacob Zuma surrendered to police last Thursday to begin serving a 15-month prison sentence.

Zuma was sentenced by the court because he avoided testifying in an investigation into large-scale corruption during his presidency from 2009 to 2018.

The 79-year-old former anti-apartheid fighter is still very popular among the poor in South Africa.

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