This archive report was first published on 14 July 2021.
South Africa is reeling from its worst violence in decades, with 72 people dead and 1234 arrested in the past week.
The unrest began after former President Jacob Zuma handed himself in for a 15-month jail term on July 7, 2021, following a contempt of court order over a corruption case.
Violent confrontations between rioters and looters and the police have been reported in several regions, with shopping malls across the country being ransacked and burned.
South Africa is currently experiencing a range of social and economic restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19, including a 32.6% unemployment rate.
Security agents are working to restore order in the country, with military officers deployed to help the police quell the violence and looting.
At least 72 people have died in the violence, with many more injured, and 1234 arrested, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Former President Zuma and his supporters have blamed sitting President Cyril Ramaphosa for a political witch hunt.
The United Nations (UN) has called upon the South African government to restore order by stopping violence.
Security officer standing over arrested looters
Authorities in South Africa have said that many of the deaths are a result of stampedes that occur during incidents of looting of supermarkets.
