This archive report was first published on 16 July 2021.
South Africa is grappling with a surge in vigilantism as citizens take matters into their own hands to tackle unrest, with some groups resorting to violence and others forming human chains to deter potential looters.
According to Acting Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the situation has become increasingly volatile, with some residents turning to arms to protect their communities and property.
"Do not infringe on the rights of others and do not take the law into your own hands," she warned on Thursday.
As the country struggles to contain the unrest, which was sparked by the jailing of graft-accused former president Jacob Zuma, community defence tactics have become increasingly prevalent.
Residents in Durban, Johannesburg, and Pretoria have formed human chains to deter potential looters, while others have taken up arms to protect their communities.
Security expert Johan Burger cautioned against labelling all community security initiatives "vigilante action," noting that the state often fails to protect people and property in South Africa.
"You cannot dissociate the current unrest from South Africa's very brutalised history and weaponised society," said Tim Hughes, spokesman for the South African Self-Protection Alliance.
As the situation continues to unfold, concerns are growing about the potential for further violence and the impact on the country's already fragile security situation.
