Unrest has been rising in South Africa’s main economic hub. Shops have been looted and a section of the M2 highway in Johannesburg has been closed following the acts of violence being committed since the jailing of former president, Jacob Zuma. The acts of violence are mainly occurring in the province of KwaZulu-Natal where he has started serving a 15-month sentence for contempt of court on Wednesday night.
After 27 years since the African National Congress (ANC) has removed the apartheid system in favour of democracy, Zuma’s sentencing and subsequent imprisonment is being seen as a test as whether the country is able to enforce its law even against powerful politicians. However, Zuma’s imprisonment has angered his supporters and caused rifts within the ANC.
Police stated that criminals were also taking the opportunity to steal and cause damage. The National Intelligence Body stated that those who have been inciting violence could face criminal charges. Since then, 62 people have been arrested in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng since the violence started. The M2 has also been closed after reports of shots being fired at passing vehicles.
Zuma received this sentence for defying the court by refusing to attend and give evidence for inquiry investigating high-level corruption during his nine years in power until 2018. Zuma denies the charges and refuses to cooperate with the inquiry. Zuma also challenge the sentence on the grounds of his poor health and the risk of catching Covid. The challenge will be heard on Monday.
Parliament’s presiding officers stated on Sunday that they were “sympathetic to the personal difficulties confronting former president. However, the rule of law and supremacy of the constitution must prevail.”
