South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who arrived on a tour of KwaZulu-Natal, has said that the violence was planned in advance.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (AFP)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that the violence in the country was already planned. He called it an attack on democracy. Since the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma, there has been tremendous violence in the country. The government has said that so far 212 people have died in this violence. Since Thursday, close to 100 people have died. The delivery of food packets to supermarkets has to be given police protection, as there was a shortage of food due to the massive looting.
A mayor of the province said an estimated $1 billion in stock had been stolen in KwaZulu-Natal and at least 800 retail stores were looted. President Cyril Ramaphosa said on his visit to KwaZulu-Natal, it is quite clear that all these incidents of unrest and looting were instigated. There were people who planned it and coordinated it. The president said the riots were an attempt to hijack South Africa’s democracy. He told supporters that those instigating the riots had been identified, but did not elaborate.
Line has to be made to buy food items
People have been seen queuing up to eat in KwaZulu Natal. The situation has become so bad that even for small things, lines have to be made since morning. People waiting in lines have to say that they are worried about arranging food for their families. They say that they are facing difficulty in getting diapers for children and even food for pets. Significantly, KwaZulu Natal has emerged as the center of this violence. Jacob Zuma comes from this state. Violence had started here even before he went to jail.
Democracy-fight to save constitution: Ramaphosa
In his 30-minute televised speech on Friday, Ramaphosa said there was no shortage of food and supplies and urged people not to panic and shop. The President said that more than 2500 people have been arrested in connection with the violence. He asked people to come together. Ramaphosa said in his speech, if we stand together then no rebellion or violence will be successful in this country. We are engaged in the struggle to protect our democracy, our constitution, our livelihood and our security. This is not a battle that we can lose.
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