Supporters of former President Jacob Zuma have staged violent demonstrations in South Africa, in which 10 people have died so far.
Jacob Zuma’s supporters protest violently (AFP)
In South Africa, supporters of former President Jacob Zuma have committed tremendous violence. Jacob Zuma has been jailed for contempt of court. These rioters are protesting about this. Seeing the situation getting out of hand, the government has deployed the army. The South African army has deployed a large number of troops to two provinces, including the city of Johannesburg. So far 10 people have died in this violence. These violent protests are taking place at a time when the Supreme Court has started hearing a petition challenging Zuma’s 15-month prison sentence.
Police said that 10 people have died in the violence so far and more than 200 people have been arrested. Given the atmosphere of violence everywhere, the army has been deployed in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces to stop the riots. Please note that KwaZulu-Natal is the home state of Zuma. Zuma was the President of South Africa from 2009 to 2018. Zuma is currently jailed for contempt of court. In fact, during his tenure, he was accused of corruption, in connection with the investigation of which he had to appear before the court, but he failed to do so. That’s why he was sentenced.
Blocked the road by burning tires and putting up barricades
Jacob Zuma has been sentenced to 15 months in prison, after which he handed himself over to the authorities on Wednesday. However, the 79-year-old leader has denied the allegations of corruption. Following Zuma’s arrest, his supporters held violent protests across the country. They blocked the roads by burning tires and putting up barricades. Violent mobs of rioters set vehicles on fire and looted shops. The South Africa National Defense Force (SANDF) said in a statement that law enforcement agencies sought their help, following which troops have been deployed.
President condemns violence
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the recent demonstrations against the sentence of former President Jacob Zuma. Ramaphosa said, critical infrastructure like national highways have been affected and our economy has been affected by slowdown in the flow of goods and services. Some political and civic leaders condemned the violence and called it a criminal act under the guise of a demonstration. He said that there is a right to protest, but it should be done in a peaceful manner. The South African Chamber of Commerce has warned that this could cause a major setback to the country’s economy.
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