South Africa violence: Rioting erupts over imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma

Two South African provinces have been facing violent eruptions against the imprisonment of former President of South Africa Jacob Zuma.

According to the South African police on July 11, 2021, the supporters of the imprisoned President have been blocking the roads and looting shops, and at least 62 people involved in the riots are arrested.

The President of the country Cyril Ramaphosa while commenting on the ongoing riots in the country said that there is no justification for violence and that it has been damaging the efforts of rebuilding the economy amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

What is happening in South Africa?

The country has been going through violent riots as the supporters are protesting against the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma.

The riots in South Africa were started by the supporters in his home region of KwaZulu-Natal province last week and over the weekend the riots had spread to Gauteng Province, which includes the largest city of South Africa, Johannesburg.

Several hundred people burned and looted stores in the Bramley and Alexandra neighborhoods of Johannesburg.

As per the Police, they are increasing the capacity in both the provinces and have warned the supporters of Zuma against inciting violence on social media, saying that they can become liable for the criminal charges.

South Africa riots: Test of the post-apartheid nation

The imprisonment and sentencing of Jacob Zuma have been seen as a test of the post-apartheid nation’s ability to enforce the law fairly even against the powerful politician- 27 years after the African National Congress ousted the white minority rulers to usher in democracy.