Looting, violence grips South Africa after Zuma court hearing

Violence spreads around the country after Zuma jailing, in Katlehong
Demonstrators loot a shopping centre during protests following the imprisonment of former South Africa President Jacob Zuma, in Katlehong, South Africa, July 12, 2021. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

JOHANNESBURG: Rioters looted shops and threw stones at police on Tuesday (Jul 13) as days of violent protests triggered by the jailing of former president Jacob Zuma spread across South Africa.

The military prepared to send in 2,500 troops as outnumbered police seemed helpless to prevent attacks on businesses in Zuma's home province KwaZulu-Natal and in Gauteng province, where the country's biggest city, Johannesburg, is located.

At least 30 people have been killed in the unrest that broke out last week when Zuma handed himself over to authorities.

Zuma, 79, was sentenced last month for defying a constitutional court order to give evidence at an inquiry investigating high-level corruption during his nine years in office until 2018.

Source: Reuters