South Africa has been afflicted by exacerbating violence and looting for the past six consecutive days.
Initially triggered by anger over the arrest of former-president Jacob Zuma for failing to appear at a corruption hearing, the discontent then evolved into general anger over deepening poverty and inequality in the country.
Chaotic stampedes continue to occur as thousands of people steal food, appliances, clothings, groceries and other goods from stores. The looting has also affected hundreds of small businesses, cutting off the livelihoods of entire families.
More than 70 people have been killed and over 1200 people arrested since the lawlessness ensued. 2500 soldiers were also deployed to help the South African Police.
On social media, the unrest has divided the nation, with some condemning the looting and spewing violent and racist remarks, while others are defending the rioters and blaming the government for this “inevitable” revolt.
Here is what Twitter has to say:
The Eastern Cape & Limpopo have the country’s poorest population- there’s no looting and burning there. Just an observation
— Vaccination time!!!! (@Nomsa_Md) July 14, 2021
RT#ZumaCoupAttempt
— KAMOGELO TSIME (@KayTsime) July 14, 2021
We applaud the taxi industry for standing against looting in Pretoria. pic.twitter.com/DQPw8zRyos
How will our ministers and “leaders” bring calm to the situation regarding the #PhoenixMassacre, if they themselves are involved with criminals and drug lords from Phoenix?
— Modibe Modiba (@mmodiba10) July 15, 2021
Ramaphosa gave Indians license to go on a killing spree when he made his reckless statement on ethnic mobilization. It's his fault that black people are being killed and going missing. He should account #PhoenixMassacre
— MaLanga (@ZandiileL) July 14, 2021
It’s okay to Disagree with the looting BUT you don’t have to stupefy yourself by saying it’s criminality: you use this narrative to avoid the fear you feel, the trauma it causes in you because you know the truth: this is about the POVERTY which your whole privilege is built on
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) July 15, 2021
It’s okay to Disagree with the looting BUT you don’t have to stupefy yourself by saying it’s criminality: you use this narrative to avoid the fear you feel, the trauma it causes in you because you know the truth: this is about the POVERTY which your whole privilege is built on
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) July 15, 2021
Strange how the South African Defence Force can be used to enforce the COVID-19 lockdown in the townships, but are not allowed to defend South Africa and its infrastructure from incalculable damage, looting and arson across the country.
— Chris Yelland (@chrisyelland) July 11, 2021
The burning & looting in South Africa has everything to do with the way they're being treated in their own land. Most black South Africans own nothing. No jobs & no lands. Apartheid never ended in South Africa. The invaders are still controlling everything there.
— IFA FUNSHO (@funshographix) July 12, 2021
The burning & looting in South Africa has everything to do with the way they're being treated in their own land. Most black South Africans own nothing. No jobs & no lands. Apartheid never ended in South Africa. The invaders are still controlling everything there.
— IFA FUNSHO (@funshographix) July 12, 2021
IOL TECH