July 14, 2021 19:30 PM
Supporters of former President Zuma have been arrested and imprisoned in large-scale riots that have caused 72 deaths
The South African Police Department released data on the evening of the 13th. Up to now, the large-scale riots caused by the arrest and imprisonment of former President Zuma supporters have caused 72 deaths and 1234 arrests and imprisonment.
Since Zuma was imprisoned on July 7, his supporters have launched protests in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng provinces in South Africa. However, the wave of protests quickly turned into large-scale riots, during which a large number of casualties and property losses were caused. In this regard, the South African government announced on the evening of the 12th that it would send the National Defense Forces to assist the local police in maintaining law and order.
Nevertheless, large-scale incidents of smashing, looting, looting and burning occurred in Johannesburg, Durban, Pietermaritzburg and other places on the 13th. The reporter visited in Johannesburg and found that most shops, banks, restaurants, medical institutions and other places were closed early at around 14:00 to avoid the risk of being ransacked. At the same time, South Africans also rushed home to avoid shopping. At around 20 o’clock, except for the scattered patrol cars on the streets of Johannesburg, it was hard to find anyone.
In response, South African Police Minister Sele said at a security briefing that day that the South African police are already in an “overloaded” state, and police officers on leave have also been urgently recalled. At present, the police are closely following the riots, using various information channels to quickly respond to hot spots to ensure that the situation will not deteriorate further, and strive to quell the riots and restore normal order in South African society as soon as possible.
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