South Africa sends 25,000 soldiers to stop looting

Synopsis

In South Africa, the government says it is deploying 25,000 soldiers to combat widespread looting and violence, marking a tenfold increase in troop presence. This unrest, described as the worst violence since the end of apartheid, has persisted for nearly a week, particularly affecting the eastern city of Durban, where chaos reigns with looting, arson, and riots. Thousands of arrests have been made, yet police struggle to regain control. Reports indicate that some civilians are arming themselves and taking justice into their own hands, prompting lawmakers to urge communities to collaborate with law enforcement. The protests erupted following former president Jacob Zuma's 15-month jail term for contempt of court, but underlying issues of inequality and rising unemployment are believed to be fueling the turmoil. As the situation escalates, many families mourn the loss of loved ones amid the violence.