Robbery and looting reign in South Africa. Shops and infrastructure are destroyed.  Pro-Zuma people have been protesting in Zulu country for four days following the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma. According to reports, the protests have turned into a hunger revolt and have spread to the poorer areas of the major cities. However, looting and clashes with the police took place. As a result, the conflict has left at least 06 people dead since Saturday.

The pro-Zuma people did not accept the fact that their famous ex-president was arrested and incarcerated. So they took to the streets to show their discontent.

President Cyril Ramaphosa called for calm during his speech on national television on Monday 12 July. At the same time, he also mobilised the army. He was grave and martial. He described the strike as the worst that had taken place in the country since 1990.

The army has been deployed since Monday in the provinces most affected by the demonstration. Thus, the defence services will also contribute with the armed forces to secure the country and to restore calm. Moreover, a military council will be held twice a day with the president until the protesters calm down and the country regains peace.

Opportunistic acts

On the causes of the uprising, he ruled out any political motive, describing the perpetrators of the violence as opportunists instigating the chaos. The South African president was very firm, insisting on zero tolerance for those who would disrupt public order.

"What we are seeing today are opportunistic acts of criminality with groups of people seeking to create chaos to cover their actions of looting and stealing. No political cause, no demand can justify violence and destruction," President Cyril Ramaphosa said.

According to him, the poorest and most disadvantaged suffer the most. But on the other hand, the sick have not been able to get their medicines, health workers have not been able to go to hospitals and supermarkets are currently empty of food. The president believes that in a few weeks, the country may find itself with food insecurity and a lack of medicines.

To date, almost 500 people have been arrested. The arrest will not stop there, it will continue according to Cyril Ramaphosa.

Santie

Photo Credit : TV5MONDE Info , Les actualités

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