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South Africa – Looting, Rubber Bullets, and Food Shortages in South Africa: Democrats Should Take Note

By KEVIN DOWNEY JR

ā€œTaking 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 killedā€”10 of them in a looting stampedeā€”and another 800 have been arrested thus far.

Democrats take note. Where else have we seen a former presidentĀ being probed for ā€œcorruptionā€? [Dear DOJ, that last line is not a threat. Itā€™s 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.

ā€œLet It Burnā€

Police Minister Cele stated thatĀ 12 peopleĀ are being investigated for inciting violence, includingĀ Zumaā€™s daughter, who is accused of sending tweets calling for violence and tellingĀ  Zumaā€™s followers to ā€œlet 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.

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.

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.

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