āTaking as Much as They Can Carryā
Violence and looting broke out all over South Africa last week after former president Jacob Zuma, 79, was jailed for contempt of court after failing to show up for an inquiry into his alleged corruption. The looting is such that Police Minister Bheki CeleĀ told journalists on Tuesday that if the looting continues, some areas could run out of basic food supplies. Conversely, Defense Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said there was not yet a need to declare a state of emergency over the violence, even though 45 people have been killedā10 of them in a looting stampedeāand another 800 have been arrested thus far.
Democrats take note. Where else have we seen a former presidentĀ being probed for ācorruptionā? [Dear DOJ, that last line is not a threat. Itās just an observation.]
Zuma received a 15-month sentence. His supporters blocked major roads, set fires, and demanded the release of their political hero. The police have responded with rubber bullets.
South Africa looks like a war zone pic.twitter.com/Y4z5EvpVgD
— Jack Posobiec ?? (@JackPosobiec) July 13, 2021
āLet It Burnā
Police Minister Cele stated thatĀ 12 peopleĀ are being investigated for inciting violence, includingĀ Zumaās daughter, who is accused of sending tweets calling for violence and tellingĀ Zumaās followers to ālet it burn.ā
The BBCĀ reportedĀ that several shopping centers have been completely gutted, with ATMs robbed and restaurants, liquor stores, and clothing shops all but gutted.
Not in My Yard
Not every South African supports former President Zuma. Citizens are actually placing roadblocks to keep rioters from entering their neighborhoods.
13/07/2021#Anarchy
KZN
St Lucia Residents Block Road From ProtestersSt Lucia residents cordoning themselves off from #FreeJacobZuma protests#RIOTS#SOUTHAFRICA pic.twitter.com/sh743bsX7m
— RIOT & ATTACK info South Africa (@RiotAndAttackSA) July 13, 2021
Loot Better
Whereas BLM and Antifa thieves seem to have a passion for pilfering sneakers and 7/11 taquitos, South Africans appear to be looting appliances and even a blood bank.
eNCA reporter @RONALDMASINDA Masinda is on Queen Nandi Drive, in Durban. He has the latest update of the #looting happening there. #SouthAfricaIsBurning #DStv403 #ShutdownSA pic.twitter.com/VFfNefi6FO
— eNCA (@eNCA) July 13, 2021
Entire shopping malls have been ransacked, as well as warehouses and an import/exportĀ shipping hub. The South African military is taking up positions as flames are being set nationwide.
After being totally ransacked, the Jabulani Mall is on fire. Chaos in South Africa. Violence erupted after the arrest of former President Jacob Zuma, after days of riots that left at least six dead. pic.twitter.com/eQ3T8j9vXD
— ??ReĀ·mainĀ·ing7ļøā£?? (@Remaining79) July 12, 2021