After more than a week of violence and chaos in the country, South Africa has now started a post-riot clean-up and the President, Cyril Ramaphosa has joined the movement.

South Africa burst into waves of violence after former President Jacob Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in jail in a corruption case.

After the sentence was announced, hundreds of locals took to streets to protest the ruling. The violence led to death of more than 200 people, looting of several stores and homes and left many injured.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africa-worry-over-food-shortage-after-week-of-rioting-398750">WATCH |</a>

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Now, after more than a week, the President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has taken to the streets to motivate people to join the clean-up movement. Urging people to stop violence and come together as a nation, his government warned locals against any form of vigilantism and urged people to stay clear of any form of racial injustice.

"We all admit there were lapses... we will gather ourselves and do a proper review," Ramaphosa told a gathering outside a mall in Soweto township. "People want to defend what we have in the form of democracy, our constitution and economy."

He has also assured a proper review and investigation of the violence. Since the chaos broke out in the country, people have been struggling to gain access to basic necessities as several households were severely affected by the looting of shops and attacks on homes.

After more than a week of violence and chaos in the country, South Africa has now started a post-riot clean-up and the President, Cyril Ramaphosa has joined the movement.

After more than a week of violence and chaos in the country, South Africa has now started a post-riot clean-up and the President, Cyril Ramaphosa has joined the movement. South Africa burst into waves of violence after former President Jacob Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in jail in a corruption case. After the sentence was announced, hundreds of locals took to streets to protest the ruling. The violence led to death of more than 200 people, looting of several stores and homes and left many injured. WATCH | Now, after more than a week, the President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has taken to the streets to motivate people to join the clean-up movement. Urging people to stop violence and come together as a nation, his government warned locals against any form of vigilantism and urged people to stay clear of any form of racial injustice. "We all admit there were lapses... we will gather ourselves and do a proper review," Ramaphosa told a gathering outside a mall in Soweto township. "People want to defend what we have in the form of democracy, our constitution and economy." He has also assured a proper review and investigation of the violence. Since the chaos broke out in the country, people have been struggling to gain access to basic necessities as several households were severely affected by the looting of shops and attacks on homes.

South Africa's President, Cyril Ramaphosa, joins clean-up mission after week of violence

After witnessing violent riots and looting almost a week South Africa is trying to slowly get back on its feet but now the challenge is meeting food demand. Watch this report to know more.

South Africa: Worry over food shortage after week of rioting

President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday, the unrest that has ripped through South Africa in the past week was stabilising and calm has been restored to most of the affected areas, but the destruction will cost the country billions of rand. 
 
Ramaphosa was addressing the nation over the rioting that broke out in several parts of the country last week after his predecessor, Jacob Zuma, was jailed for failing to appear at a corruption inquiry. 
 
The unrest swiftly degenerated into looting, which has destroyed hundreds of businesses and killed over 200 people, driven by widespread anger over the poverty and inequality that persist nearly three decades after the end of white minority rule. 
 
The police has arrested over 2,500 people suspected to be involved in inciting violence and that these cases are being prioritised, Ramaphosa said. 
 
"It is our firm view that the deployment of our security forces, working together with communities and social partners across the country, will be able to restore order and prevent further violence," he said. 
 
"We will extinguish the fires that are raging, and stamp out every last ember." 
 
The president said using the pretext of a political grievance, those behind these acts have sought to provoke a popular insurrection. 
 
"They have sought to exploit the social and economic conditions under which many South Africans live," he said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday, the unrest that has ripped through South Africa in the past week was stabilising and calm has been restored to most of the affected areas, but the destruction will cost the country billions of rand.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday, the unrest that has ripped through South Africa in the past week was stabilising and calm has been restored to most of the affected areas, but the destruction will cost the country billions of rand. Ramaphosa was addressing the nation over the rioting that broke out in several parts of the country last week after his predecessor, Jacob Zuma, was jailed for failing to appear at a corruption inquiry. The unrest swiftly degenerated into looting, which has destroyed hundreds of businesses and killed over 200 people, driven by widespread anger over the poverty and inequality that persist nearly three decades after the end of white minority rule. The police has arrested over 2,500 people suspected to be involved in inciting violence and that these cases are being prioritised, Ramaphosa said. "It is our firm view that the deployment of our security forces, working together with communities and social partners across the country, will be able to restore order and prevent further violence," he said. "We will extinguish the fires that are raging, and stamp out every last ember." The president said using the pretext of a political grievance, those behind these acts have sought to provoke a popular insurrection. "They have sought to exploit the social and economic conditions under which many South Africans live," he said.

South African President  Cyril Ramaphosa says calm has been restored to most places

South Africa's President Cyrial Ramaphosa has said that the ongoing unrest was 'instigated' & 'planned'. Who were the instigators?

Gravitas: Who instigated unrest in South Africa?

The party chief of South Africa's Minority Front (MF) Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi has said that the "Indian community is devastated" by the ongoing unrest in her country.

Shameen Thakur is a member of the KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature, a province with around seven per cent of the population of Indian origin.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to WION, Rajbansi said, "Every time it (riots) occurs, it reminds us of 1949 Durban riots. Most of our people are in business. The attack on our community also focused on looting homes, damaging infrastructure in the area and&nbsp;looting businesses."

The violence erupted after the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma and so far more than 117&nbsp;people have died.&nbsp;

Thakur explained that South Africa's Indian origin community believes in "nonviolence, that is the culture that has been ingrained in our people" but "for that reason, we should not be looked at as soft targets by perpetrators and first point of assault. As a community, we are not going to accept this."

She&nbsp;said the community had to arm "themselves with cricket bats because that is what they had to do eventually. Army has come in, I am thankful to the government, our political leadership has been responsive".

"Social media has played a very important role in getting us connected as a community and protecting on anther," he added.

The violence started in KwaZulu-Natal which is former president Zuma's home province and then spread in several parts of the country.&nbsp;

New Delhi has raised the matter with the South African government, especially when it comes to the Indian diaspora&nbsp;being impacted by the ongoing violence.

While Jaishankar and Dr. Naledi Pandor have spoken, Sanjay Bhattacharya, secretary, MEA,&nbsp;also met the South African high commissioner to India Joel Sibusiso Ndebele in Delhi.&nbsp;

On Gandhi and Mandela's legacy, Shameen Thakur said, "Talks about nonviolence should be not be dedicated to just one day, like the October 2, in fact, it should be put in our history books, our children should be educated about it."

She pointed out that,&nbsp;"We should learn the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam because the entire world is a family. As my role in KwaZulu-Natal legislature and as a leader that predominantly looks after the Indian community I do everything possible in my power in the legislature to bring these ideas in every debate and ensure that we are a country that believes in peace and prosperity. The Indian way and Indian oaths is a beacon of hope for our country"

Her part Minority Front has a political base in KwaZulu-Natal since the province has a large Indian origin community. Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi was appointed the party leader in 2012.

The party chief of South Africa's Minority Front (MF) Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi has said that the "Indian community is devastated" by the ongoing unrest in her country.

The party chief of South Africa's Minority Front (MF) Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi has said that the "Indian community is devastated" by the ongoing unrest in her country. Shameen Thakur is a member of the KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature, a province with around seven per cent of the population of Indian origin. Speaking exclusively to WION, Rajbansi said, "Every time it (riots) occurs, it reminds us of 1949 Durban riots. Most of our people are in business. The attack on our community also focused on looting homes, damaging infrastructure in the area and looting businesses." The violence erupted after the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma and so far more than 117 people have died. Thakur explained that South Africa's Indian origin community believes in "nonviolence, that is the culture that has been ingrained in our people" but "for that reason, we should not be looked at as soft targets by perpetrators and first point of assault. As a community, we are not going to accept this." She said the community had to arm "themselves with cricket bats because that is what they had to do eventually. Army has come in, I am thankful to the government, our political leadership has been responsive". "Social media has played a very important role in getting us connected as a community and protecting on anther," he added. The violence started in KwaZulu-Natal which is former president Zuma's home province and then spread in several parts of the country. New Delhi has raised the matter with the South African government, especially when it comes to the Indian diaspora being impacted by the ongoing violence. While Jaishankar and Dr. Naledi Pandor have spoken, Sanjay Bhattacharya, secretary, MEA, also met the South African high commissioner to India Joel Sibusiso Ndebele in Delhi. On Gandhi and Mandela's legacy, Shameen Thakur said, "Talks about nonviolence should be not be dedicated to just one day, like the October 2, in fact, it should be put in our history books, our children should be educated about it." She pointed out that, "We should learn the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam because the entire world is a family. As my role in KwaZulu-Natal legislature and as a leader that predominantly looks after the Indian community I do everything possible in my power in the legislature to bring these ideas in every debate and ensure that we are a country that believes in peace and prosperity. The Indian way and Indian oaths is a beacon of hope for our country" Her part Minority Front has a political base in KwaZulu-Natal since the province has a large Indian origin community. Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi was appointed the party leader in 2012.

Indian community devastated, says South Africa's Minority Front leader Shameen Thakur

The protests quickly turned into looting as crowds pillaged shops and storehouses, hauling away goods as police stood by, seemingly powerless to act.

S. Africa: President Ramaphosa visits ground zero, says unrest was 'Planned

South Africa has slipped into anarchy. It's no longer about Jacob Zuma. Looters say they're stealing because others are. Mob justice is rising with armed vigilantes on the streets and Indians are facing the worst of this. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: South Africa slips into Anarchy

25,000 South African soldiers have been deployed in an effort to stop the riots that began after former South African President Jacob Zuma was imprisoned last week. At least 117 people have been killed in the violence so far.

South Africa Unrest: Over 25,000 troops deployed in violence hit areas, 117 dead

Violence and looting in parts of South Africa, triggered by the arrest of former President Jacob Zuma, are broadening to reflect more deep-seated problems in the country. The unrest reflects the inequalities that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

South Africa violence reflects inequalities exacerbated by COVID-19 pandemic

Unrest raged in South Africa for the sixth day running, stoking fears of food and fuel shortages as disruption to farming, manufacturing and oil refining began to bite.

Rioting, looting continues in South Africa

Multiple Indian businessmen in South African cities complained of financial ruin, as their stores were targeted by rioters. Is Jacob Zuma's relationship with the Gupta family making Indians a target?

Gravitas: Why are Indians being targeted in South Africa?

The rioting and looting in South Africa has taken more than 70 lives. Indians in South Africa are now coming under attack. Shops and Businesses owned by members of the Indian diaspora have been looted and burned.

Gravitas: WION Ground Report: Indians under attack in South Africa

South Africa Unrest: Food & fuel supplies running short

After losing 53 cars during the 2019 Johannesburg xenophobic attacks, Okey Uchendu never thought that his business of 11 years - a second-hand car dealership - would be burnt again in less than two years.

On Sunday (July 11) he received a call at midnight that his store was engulfed in flames as looting and violence, the worst in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa for years, escalated, wrecking hundreds of&nbsp;businesses.

"I feel like committing suicide because my livelihood has been taken away from me. I was sitting crying, helpless because I can't do anything," the 45-year old told Reuters standing next to his 58 burnt cars.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-talks-to-foreign-minister-pandor-as-violence-in-south-africa-escalates-398103">Also read |&nbsp;Jaishankar talks to foreign minister Pandor as violence in South Africa escalates</a>

Like many small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMME)&nbsp;businesses&nbsp;that were destroyed in the&nbsp;unrest, his dealership, which employed 16 people, is not insured, compounding any attempts of recovery.

Already buckling under the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic and high unemployment, SMMEs like Uchendu's are the hardest hit&nbsp;businesses&nbsp;that may not recover from the&nbsp;unrest and risk adding to the already high unemployment rate.

A survey done last year by the Small Business Institute (SBI), revealed that as many as 55,000 SMMEs may not make it through the pandemic. With the&nbsp;unrest, this number is expected to rise, SBI CEO John Dludlu told Reuters.

"The one word that summarises the impact is: catastrophic," Dludlu added.

The&nbsp;South&nbsp;African&nbsp;Property Owners Association said on Wednesday (July 14) more than 200 malls have been looted or destroyed and over 600 stores burnt or damaged thus far.

After losing 53 cars during the 2019 Johannesburg xenophobic attacks, Okey Uchendu never thought that his business of 11 years - a second-hand car dealership - would be burnt again in less than two years.

After losing 53 cars during the 2019 Johannesburg xenophobic attacks, Okey Uchendu never thought that his business of 11 years - a second-hand car dealership - would be burnt again in less than two years. On Sunday (July 11) he received a call at midnight that his store was engulfed in flames as looting and violence, the worst in South Africa for years, escalated, wrecking hundreds of businesses. "I feel like committing suicide because my livelihood has been taken away from me. I was sitting crying, helpless because I can't do anything," the 45-year old told Reuters standing next to his 58 burnt cars. Also read | Jaishankar talks to foreign minister Pandor as violence in South Africa escalates Like many small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMME) businesses that were destroyed in the unrest, his dealership, which employed 16 people, is not insured, compounding any attempts of recovery. Already buckling under the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic and high unemployment, SMMEs like Uchendu's are the hardest hit businesses that may not recover from the unrest and risk adding to the already high unemployment rate. A survey done last year by the Small Business Institute (SBI), revealed that as many as 55,000 SMMEs may not make it through the pandemic. With the unrest, this number is expected to rise, SBI CEO John Dludlu told Reuters. "The one word that summarises the impact is: catastrophic," Dludlu added. The South African Property Owners Association said on Wednesday (July 14) more than 200 malls have been looted or destroyed and over 600 stores burnt or damaged thus far.

Counting the costs: South African businesses feeling the pain of unrest

A mother was forced to throw her baby from the 16th floor of a burning building to a crowd below, as riots in South Africa intensify. The building they were in was set on fire by looters.

South Africa Riots: Mother throws baby from 16th floor of burning building

A 2-year-old girl survived unharmed after her mother threw her to safety as they escaped a burning high-rise building in the South African city of Durban during protests.

The mother, 26-year-old Naledi Manyoni, told Reuters on Wednesday that she had been on the 16th floor when the fire started on Tuesday. She ran down the stairs with her daughter.

Manyoni made her way to a ledge above the street and tossed the toddler to a group of people below as bystanders cried out in consternation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-talks-to-foreign-minister-pandor-as-violence-in-south-africa-escalates-398103">Also read |&nbsp;Jaishankar talks to foreign minister Pandor as violence in South Africa escalates</a>

"After throwing her, I held my head in shock, but they caught her," Manyoni recalled outside the building as her daughter sat on her shoulders. "She kept saying, 'Mama you threw me down there.' She was scared."

"What was important was for my daughter to be out of that situation... I couldn't escape alone and leave her behind," she said as the girl, dressed in a red coat and hood, babbled and clapped her hands.

They stood on the street before burned and ransacked shops. South Africa is in the throes of one of the worst upheavals in the post-apartheid era, which began when former President Jacob&nbsp;Zuma&nbsp;was jailed last week for failing to appear for a corruption enquiry.

The protests, which started in&nbsp;Zuma's home province KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, soon turned into mass looting, arson and riots in provincial Durban and Johannesburg, the commercial hub of South Africa.

A 2-year-old girl survived unharmed after her mother threw her to safety as they escaped a burning high-rise building in the South African city of Durban during protests.

A 2-year-old girl survived unharmed after her mother threw her to safety as they escaped a burning high-rise building in the South African city of Durban during protests. The mother, 26-year-old Naledi Manyoni, told Reuters on Wednesday that she had been on the 16th floor when the fire started on Tuesday. She ran down the stairs with her daughter. Manyoni made her way to a ledge above the street and tossed the toddler to a group of people below as bystanders cried out in consternation. Also read | Jaishankar talks to foreign minister Pandor as violence in South Africa escalates "After throwing her, I held my head in shock, but they caught her," Manyoni recalled outside the building as her daughter sat on her shoulders. "She kept saying, 'Mama you threw me down there.' She was scared." "What was important was for my daughter to be out of that situation... I couldn't escape alone and leave her behind," she said as the girl, dressed in a red coat and hood, babbled and clapped her hands. They stood on the street before burned and ransacked shops. South Africa is in the throes of one of the worst upheavals in the post-apartheid era, which began when former President Jacob Zuma was jailed last week for failing to appear for a corruption enquiry. The protests, which started in Zuma's home province KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, soon turned into mass looting, arson and riots in provincial Durban and Johannesburg, the commercial hub of South Africa.

South African mother throws baby to safety from burning building

It seems to be a tough time for&nbsp;South Africa’s&nbsp;men in blue, police. The already depleting force is having a hard time in keeping law&nbsp;and order after violent protests and&nbsp;widespread looting. So,&nbsp;if you want to be a cop in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa,&nbsp;you really have to be committed&nbsp;as&nbsp;it is not a fancy job.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Let’s explore the present issues faced by police.&nbsp;

Witnessing the troublesome situation&nbsp;lately,&nbsp;WION spoke to a police officer in charge of an area called Meadowlands, Soweto that witnessed 11 deaths due to stampede.&nbsp;

Brigadier Balaraman Govindasamy says looting in&nbsp;Ndofaya&nbsp;mall started early&nbsp;on&nbsp;Saturday. He says,&nbsp;although&nbsp;the police tried to repel the crowd,&nbsp;but unfortunately the&nbsp;rioters&nbsp;had an upper hand.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;the police had to&nbsp;fall&nbsp;back.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Govindasamy&nbsp;says around 8&nbsp;pm&nbsp;on the&nbsp;same day,&nbsp;it was reported&nbsp;that some people had&nbsp;got&nbsp;injured in the mall and later,&nbsp;upon the arrival of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), 10 people were&nbsp;found&nbsp;dead on the scene&nbsp;while&nbsp;one&nbsp;person&nbsp;succumbed&nbsp;to his injuries&nbsp;later.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the&nbsp;last few days, the South African Police Services have been&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;heavily&nbsp;for not being able to handle the situation.&nbsp;In several instances, they have been a mute spectator to the lootings.

Stores and warehouses in South Africa were hit by looters on Tuesday for a fifth day running despite the troops President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed to try to quell unrest that has claimed 72 lives.

The raging unrest first erupted on last Friday after former president Jacob Zuma started serving a 15-month term for contempt, having snubbed a probe into the corruption that stained his nine years in power.&nbsp;

The Brigadier said, “I think policing in South Africa&nbsp;has become a&nbsp;lot tougher.&nbsp;The present situation shows the same.&nbsp; If police&nbsp;act&nbsp;then,&nbsp;it’s brutality,&nbsp;and&nbsp;if&nbsp;it chooses to&nbsp;not act, it is&nbsp;condemned for inaction.&nbsp;Our constitution makes it a bit difficult&nbsp;too.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Asked if there is a shortage of police personnel in the country,&nbsp;the officer&nbsp;said, “It is one of the main concerns. Our numbers have depleted&nbsp;and so have&nbsp;our resources due to resignations, retirements, deaths as a result of covid. This has affected our workforce.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

It seems to be a tough time for South Africa’s men in blue, police. The already depleting force is having a hard time in keeping law and order after violent protests and widespread looting.

It seems to be a tough time for South Africa’s men in blue, police. The already depleting force is having a hard time in keeping law and order after violent protests and widespread looting. So, if you want to be a cop in South Africa, you really have to be committed as it is not a fancy job. Let’s explore the present issues faced by police. Witnessing the troublesome situation lately, WION spoke to a police officer in charge of an area called Meadowlands, Soweto that witnessed 11 deaths due to stampede. Brigadier Balaraman Govindasamy says looting in Ndofaya mall started early on Saturday. He says, although the police tried to repel the crowd, but unfortunately the rioters had an upper hand. So, the police had to fall back. Govindasamy says around 8 pm on the same day, it was reported that some people had got injured in the mall and later, upon the arrival of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), 10 people were found dead on the scene while one person succumbed to his injuries later. In the last few days, the South African Police Services have been criticised heavily for not being able to handle the situation. In several instances, they have been a mute spectator to the lootings. Stores and warehouses in South Africa were hit by looters on Tuesday for a fifth day running despite the troops President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed to try to quell unrest that has claimed 72 lives. The raging unrest first erupted on last Friday after former president Jacob Zuma started serving a 15-month term for contempt, having snubbed a probe into the corruption that stained his nine years in power. The Brigadier said, “I think policing in South Africa has become a lot tougher. The present situation shows the same. If police act then, it’s brutality, and if it chooses to not act, it is condemned for inaction. Our constitution makes it a bit difficult too.” Asked if there is a shortage of police personnel in the country, the officer said, “It is one of the main concerns. Our numbers have depleted and so have our resources due to resignations, retirements, deaths as a result of covid. This has affected our workforce.”

South Africa’s men in blue face a hard time as protesters go on rampage

At least 72 people have been killed and more than 1,200 people have been arrested in the unrest following the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma in South Africa. WION correspondent Kalden Ongmu brings you a ground report from the Gauteng province.

South Africa Ground Report: Rioting, looting claims 72 lives after former president Zuma jailed

At least 72 people have been killed and more than 1,200 people have been arrested in the unrest following the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma.

South Africa riots: Death toll passes to 72 after imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma

The unrest in South Africa, set off last week after the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma, has claimed 72 lives so far. The police and the military have resorted to firing stun grenades and rubber bullets to contain the situation.

South Africa deploys army in 2 provinces to quell protests

Rioting, looting continues in South Africa with the death toll rising to 72 as police and the military struggle to quell the violence in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

South Africa unrest day 6th: 72 dead, At least 1,200 arrested so far

Rioting, looting continues in South Africa with the death toll rising to 72 as police and the military struggle to quell the violence in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. WION correspondent Alyson Le Grance brings you the latest ground report from Durban.

Rioting, looting continues in South Africa, deaths up to 72

Stores and warehouses in South Africa were hit by looters Tuesday for a fifth day running despite the troops President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed to try to quell unrest that has claimed 72 lives.

As pillaging erupted in the economic capital of Johannesburg and the southeastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa's main opposition accused radicals of stoking the unrest.

The armed forces were sending 2,500 soldiers to help the overwhelmed police.

But these numbers are dwarfed by the more than 70,000 troops deployed to enforce last year's coronavirus lockdown, and only a handful of soldiers were seen at some shopping centres. 
 
Watch | What is happening in South Africa and why? All you need to know

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The raging unrest first erupted last Friday after former president Jacob Zuma started serving a 15-month term for contempt, having snubbed a probe into the corruption that stained his nine years in power.

By the weekend, it started spreading to Gauteng province.

"The total number of people who have lost their lives since the beginning of these protests ... has risen to 72," the police said in a statement late Tuesday.

Most of the deaths "relate to stampedes that occurred during incidents of looting of shops", it said.

Others were linked to shootings and explosions of bank ATMs.

The number of arrests has risen to 1,234, although many thousands have been involved in the ransacking sprees. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-gupta-brothers-from-india-landed-south-africas-ruling-party-in-its-biggest-crisis-397138">Also read | How Gupta brothers from India landed South Africa's ruling party in its biggest crisis</a>

Looting 'for my mum'

Earlier TV footage showed dozens of women, some wearing their dressing gowns, men and even children strolling into a butcher in Soweto, coming out balancing heavy boxes of frozen meat on their heads or shoulders.

Police showed up three hours later and fired rubber bullets. Soldiers eventually followed.

In Alexandra township north of Johannesburg, hundreds of people streamed in and out of a shopping mall, freely grabbing groceries.

Looters who spoke to AFP said they had got caught up in the rush, or saw the chance to ease a life blighted by poverty.

"I'm really not concerned about Zuma. He is a corrupt old man that deserves to be in jail," said a 30-year-old man who works at a car wash.

He admitted to "taking things from the shop for my mum" -- stainless-steel pots, meat and groceries.

In Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal's capital, people hauled boxed refrigerators through bushes to a long line of cars that were parked along a highway.

In Durban, aerial footage showed hundreds of people looting a large shopping centre and carting off huge boxes of goods.

A woman was seen throwing her baby from the first floor of a building to save her from fire after shops below her apartment were set on fire. The child safely landed with a group of people on the street.

'Anarchy'

In his nationwide address Monday night, Ramaphosa lashed "opportunistic acts of criminality, with groups of people instigating chaos merely as a cover for looting and theft".

"The path of violence, of looting and anarchy, leads only to more violence and devastation," Ramaphosa said.

The chair of the African Union Commission condemned "the surge of violence that has resulted in the deaths of civilians and appalling scenes of the looting", calling "for an urgent restoration of order".

The largest opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, announced Tuesday it would file criminal charges against Zuma's children and the leader of the leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema.

In a statement, the party accused them of using "social media to express comments which appear to encourage and incite the violence and looting."

Once dubbed the "Teflon president", Zuma was handed the jail term on June 29 by the Constitutional Court for bucking an order to appear before a commission probing the graft that proliferated under his administration.

He started serving the term on Thursday after handing himself in to authorities.

He is seeking to have the ruling set aside.

Zuma popularity

Zuma, 79, is a former anti-apartheid fighter who spent 10 years in jail in the notorious Robben Island jail off Cape Town.

He rose in democratic South Africa to vice president and then president, before being ousted by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in 2018 as scandals proliferated.

But he remains popular among many poor South Africans, especially grassroots members of the ANC, who portray him as a defender of the disadvantaged.

South Africa is deep in an economic malaise, with cripplingly high levels of unemployment. Economic activity had already been badly affected by restrictions to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Stores and warehouses in South Africa were hit by looters Tuesday for a fifth day running despite the troops President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed to try to quell unrest that has claimed 72 lives.

Stores and warehouses in South Africa were hit by looters Tuesday for a fifth day running despite the troops President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed to try to quell unrest that has claimed 72 lives. As pillaging erupted in the economic capital of Johannesburg and the southeastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa's main opposition accused radicals of stoking the unrest. The armed forces were sending 2,500 soldiers to help the overwhelmed police. But these numbers are dwarfed by the more than 70,000 troops deployed to enforce last year's coronavirus lockdown, and only a handful of soldiers were seen at some shopping centres. Watch | What is happening in South Africa and why? All you need to know The raging unrest first erupted last Friday after former president Jacob Zuma started serving a 15-month term for contempt, having snubbed a probe into the corruption that stained his nine years in power. By the weekend, it started spreading to Gauteng province. "The total number of people who have lost their lives since the beginning of these protests ... has risen to 72," the police said in a statement late Tuesday. Most of the deaths "relate to stampedes that occurred during incidents of looting of shops", it said. Others were linked to shootings and explosions of bank ATMs. The number of arrests has risen to 1,234, although many thousands have been involved in the ransacking sprees. Also read | How Gupta brothers from India landed South Africa's ruling party in its biggest crisis Looting 'for my mum' Earlier TV footage showed dozens of women, some wearing their dressing gowns, men and even children strolling into a butcher in Soweto, coming out balancing heavy boxes of frozen meat on their heads or shoulders. Police showed up three hours later and fired rubber bullets. Soldiers eventually followed. In Alexandra township north of Johannesburg, hundreds of people streamed in and out of a shopping mall, freely grabbing groceries. Looters who spoke to AFP said they had got caught up in the rush, or saw the chance to ease a life blighted by poverty. "I'm really not concerned about Zuma. He is a corrupt old man that deserves to be in jail," said a 30-year-old man who works at a car wash. He admitted to "taking things from the shop for my mum" -- stainless-steel pots, meat and groceries. In Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal's capital, people hauled boxed refrigerators through bushes to a long line of cars that were parked along a highway. In Durban, aerial footage showed hundreds of people looting a large shopping centre and carting off huge boxes of goods. A woman was seen throwing her baby from the first floor of a building to save her from fire after shops below her apartment were set on fire. The child safely landed with a group of people on the street. 'Anarchy' In his nationwide address Monday night, Ramaphosa lashed "opportunistic acts of criminality, with groups of people instigating chaos merely as a cover for looting and theft". "The path of violence, of looting and anarchy, leads only to more violence and devastation," Ramaphosa said. The chair of the African Union Commission condemned "the surge of violence that has resulted in the deaths of civilians and appalling scenes of the looting", calling "for an urgent restoration of order". The largest opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, announced Tuesday it would file criminal charges against Zuma's children and the leader of the leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema. In a statement, the party accused them of using "social media to express comments which appear to encourage and incite the violence and looting." Once dubbed the "Teflon president", Zuma was handed the jail term on June 29 by the Constitutional Court for bucking an order to appear before a commission probing the graft that proliferated under his administration. He started serving the term on Thursday after handing himself in to authorities. He is seeking to have the ruling set aside. Zuma popularity Zuma, 79, is a former anti-apartheid fighter who spent 10 years in jail in the notorious Robben Island jail off Cape Town. He rose in democratic South Africa to vice president and then president, before being ousted by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in 2018 as scandals proliferated. But he remains popular among many poor South Africans, especially grassroots members of the ANC, who portray him as a defender of the disadvantaged. South Africa is deep in an economic malaise, with cripplingly high levels of unemployment. Economic activity had already been badly affected by restrictions to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Death toll climbs to 72 in South Africa riots after former President Jacob Zuma jailed

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed the military to quell violent protests and looting that followed the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma. At least ten people have died, and 219 people have been arrested since Zuma, turned himself in to Police last week.

South Africa deploys army to quell violence after Jacob Zuma arrest

In order to strengthen security measures to end the ongoing violent riots in the country,&nbsp;South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that government has deployed the South African&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Force.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Parts of the country are reeling from several days and nights of public violence, destruction of property and looting of the sort rarely seen before in the history of our democracy,” the President said while addressing the nation late&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Property has been&nbsp;vandalised&nbsp;and destroyed. Shops have been looted.&nbsp;Law-abiding citizens have been threatened and intimidated. Workers are scared that they may not be able to return to work. People have died,” Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The president also added that while the violence initially started in KZN, it has since spread to Gauteng. A total of 166 suspects have been arrested in KZN and 323 suspects have been arrested in Gauteng.&nbsp;

Ramaphosa urged the public to refrain from posting and circulating inflammatory messages on social media, and from spreading&nbsp;rumours&nbsp;or false reports that may create further panic.&nbsp;

“We will take action to protect every person in this country against the threat of violence, intimidation, theft and looting.&nbsp;We will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute those,&nbsp;who perpetrate these actions and will ensure that they face the full might of our law,” Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

He also added that while this violence may have originated from political or ethnic lines, what the country is witnessing now are opportunistic acts of criminality with groups of people instigating chaos merely as a cover for looting and theft.&nbsp;

The President also warned if this violent riot continues, the country will soon run out of medication and food.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Our vaccination&nbsp;programme&nbsp;has been severely disrupted just as it&nbsp;was gaining momentum. This will have lasting effects on our ability to consolidate some of the progress we were already witnessing in our economic recovery,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ramaphosa has&nbsp;authorised&nbsp;the deployment of the South African&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Force (SADF) personnel in support of the operations of the South African Police Service (SAPS).&nbsp;

The SAPS is putting measures in place to call up operational members from leave and rest-days to increase the presence of law enforcement personnel on the ground.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;NatJOINTS&nbsp;is receiving support from the Intelligence Coordinating Committee, comprising of SAPS Crime Intelligence,&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Intelligence and State Security.&nbsp;

In addition to greater visibility and an intelligence-driven presence in potential hotspots, the government will&nbsp;prioritise&nbsp;the prosecution of suspects alleged to be involved in this violence.&nbsp;

The National Security Council, chaired by Ramaphosa, will be meeting twice a day to coordinate all measures necessary to restore stability.&nbsp;

The government will work with the business sector to ensure the safety of drivers, cashiers, patients and customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Arrangements are being made for government leaders and public representatives as part of their responsibilities to meet with leaders in various communities to promote stability.&nbsp;

As part of the ongoing engagement with key sectors of society, Ramaphosa will be meeting with leaders of political parties to discuss the current situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In order to strengthen security measures to end the ongoing violent riots in the country, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that government has deployed the South African Defence Force.

In order to strengthen security measures to end the ongoing violent riots in the country, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that government has deployed the South African Defence Force. “Parts of the country are reeling from several days and nights of public violence, destruction of property and looting of the sort rarely seen before in the history of our democracy,” the President said while addressing the nation late on Monday. “Property has been vandalised and destroyed. Shops have been looted. Law-abiding citizens have been threatened and intimidated. Workers are scared that they may not be able to return to work. People have died,” Ramaphosa said. The president also added that while the violence initially started in KZN, it has since spread to Gauteng. A total of 166 suspects have been arrested in KZN and 323 suspects have been arrested in Gauteng. Ramaphosa urged the public to refrain from posting and circulating inflammatory messages on social media, and from spreading rumours or false reports that may create further panic. “We will take action to protect every person in this country against the threat of violence, intimidation, theft and looting. We will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute those, who perpetrate these actions and will ensure that they face the full might of our law,” Ramaphosa said. He also added that while this violence may have originated from political or ethnic lines, what the country is witnessing now are opportunistic acts of criminality with groups of people instigating chaos merely as a cover for looting and theft. The President also warned if this violent riot continues, the country will soon run out of medication and food. “Our vaccination programme has been severely disrupted just as it was gaining momentum. This will have lasting effects on our ability to consolidate some of the progress we were already witnessing in our economic recovery,” he added. Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of the South African Defence Force (SADF) personnel in support of the operations of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The SAPS is putting measures in place to call up operational members from leave and rest-days to increase the presence of law enforcement personnel on the ground. The NatJOINTS is receiving support from the Intelligence Coordinating Committee, comprising of SAPS Crime Intelligence, Defence Intelligence and State Security. In addition to greater visibility and an intelligence-driven presence in potential hotspots, the government will prioritise the prosecution of suspects alleged to be involved in this violence. The National Security Council, chaired by Ramaphosa, will be meeting twice a day to coordinate all measures necessary to restore stability. The government will work with the business sector to ensure the safety of drivers, cashiers, patients and customers. Arrangements are being made for government leaders and public representatives as part of their responsibilities to meet with leaders in various communities to promote stability. As part of the ongoing engagement with key sectors of society, Ramaphosa will be meeting with leaders of political parties to discuss the current situation.

President Cyril Ramaphosa deploys South African Defence Force to curb ongoing violent riots 

What is happening in South Africa and why? All you need to know

South Africa is witnessing riots after the imprisonment of Ex-President Jacob Zuma. 6 people have died, 219 have been arrested. The police has resorted to firing & the army has been deployed. Zuma's son says 'this is just the beginning'.

Gravitas: Unrest & Riots grip South Africa

The imprisonment of ex-president Jacob Zuma has unleashed mayhem in South Africa. Roads are blocked, malls set of fire & army has been deployed. At least 6 people are dead & 219 arrested.

Top story: Zuma supporters wreak havoc

South Africa has extended COVID-19 lockdown restrictions until 25 July as the country has recorded a rise in the number of infections. All social, political and other gatherings remain prohibited in the country while a curfew remains in place from 9 pm to 4 am.

South Africa extends COVID-19 restrictions with certain relaxations amid rising infections

Police say over 60 people have been arrested in connection with riots since former South African President Jacob Zuma was imprisoned last Wednesday. President Cyril Ramaphosa called for calm, urging protesters to demonstrate peacefully.

More than 60 arrested across South Africa over pro-Zuma protests

South Africa will continue to remain on Adjusted level 4 lockdown as infections remain extremely high&nbsp;in number.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“After consultation with the provinces,&nbsp;Cabinet&nbsp;has decided to maintain the country at Adjusted Alert Level 4 for another 14 days until&nbsp;July&nbsp;25,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said while addressing the nation on Sunday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Gauteng accounts for more than half of new infections, infections are rapidly increasing in the Western Cape, Limpopo, North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Our health system countrywide remains under pressure. By next week, daily hospital admissions across the country are likely to reach the levels observed during the peak of the first two waves,” President cautioned.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Under level 4 lockdown,&nbsp;all social, political, religious and other gatherings remain prohibited.&nbsp;A curfew remains in place from 9&nbsp;pm&nbsp;to&nbsp;4&nbsp;am, and only those with permission to do so may leave their homes during this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The sale of alcohol remains prohibited&nbsp;while&nbsp;schools will remain closed until the 26th of July.&nbsp;It remains mandatory to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth whenever you are in public.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, restaurants and eateries will operate while observing strict health protocols.&nbsp;Certain other venues, such as gyms and fitness&nbsp;centres, may also open.&nbsp;

On&nbsp;vaccines, Ramaphosa said, to date, over 4.2 million people in South Africa have received a vaccine dose, with one million of these having been done over the past seven days.&nbsp;

“The pace of vaccination has more than doubled in the last month, and will continue to increase,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

From July 15, those over 35 years of age will be able to register on the Electronic Vaccination Data System and from&nbsp;August&nbsp;1,&nbsp;vaccinations for the 35+ group will commence, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the latest statistics from the Department of Health, the number of new cases in the last 24 hours stand at 16,302, total deaths reported at 64,289 and total positive cases stand at around 2.19 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;

South Africa will continue to remain on Adjusted level 4 lockdown as infections remain extremely high in number. “After consultation with the provinces, Cabinet has decided to maintain the country at Adjusted Alert Level 4 for another 14 days until July 25,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said while addressing the nation on Sunday night.

South Africa will continue to remain on Adjusted level 4 lockdown as infections remain extremely high in number. “After consultation with the provinces, Cabinet has decided to maintain the country at Adjusted Alert Level 4 for another 14 days until July 25,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said while addressing the nation on Sunday night. While Gauteng accounts for more than half of new infections, infections are rapidly increasing in the Western Cape, Limpopo, North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, Ramaphosa said. “Our health system countrywide remains under pressure. By next week, daily hospital admissions across the country are likely to reach the levels observed during the peak of the first two waves,” President cautioned. Under level 4 lockdown, all social, political, religious and other gatherings remain prohibited. A curfew remains in place from 9 pm to 4 am, and only those with permission to do so may leave their homes during this time. The sale of alcohol remains prohibited while schools will remain closed until the 26th of July. It remains mandatory to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth whenever you are in public. Meanwhile, restaurants and eateries will operate while observing strict health protocols. Certain other venues, such as gyms and fitness centres, may also open. On vaccines, Ramaphosa said, to date, over 4.2 million people in South Africa have received a vaccine dose, with one million of these having been done over the past seven days. “The pace of vaccination has more than doubled in the last month, and will continue to increase,” he said. From July 15, those over 35 years of age will be able to register on the Electronic Vaccination Data System and from August 1, vaccinations for the 35+ group will commence, he said. According to the latest statistics from the Department of Health, the number of new cases in the last 24 hours stand at 16,302, total deaths reported at 64,289 and total positive cases stand at around 2.19 million.

South Africa to remain on level 4 lockdown as coronavirus continues to spread 

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