More than 22,000 soldiers have been deployed onto the streets of South Africa to help quell days of looting and violence that killed at least 117 people
In one of the largest deployments of soldiers since the end of white minority rule, 22,000 South African troops have begun taking up positions to help quell weeklong riots sparked by the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma. At least 117 people have been killed in the violence, authorities said.
Buses, trucks, airplanes and helicopters were also being used to move the large deployment of troops to trouble spots in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal province that have seen violence in mainly poor areas. More than 2,200 people have been arrested for theft and vandalism and 117 people have died, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, acting minister in the presidency said Thursday. Many were trampled to death in chaotic stampedes when shops were being looted, according to police.'Economic sabotage'
The armed patrols have brought stability to Gauteng, authorities said. Army troops stood guard at the large Maponya mall in Soweto, which was one of the few retail centres not badly hit by the rampage but remained closed.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South Africa riots ebb, more troops expected after over 70 killed in unrestViolence initially started over the jailing of ex-president Jacob Zuma last week over a corruption inquiry driven by widespread anger over hardship and inequality that nearly three decades of democracy failed to address.
Read more »
South Africa deploys 25,000 troops to curb widespread unrestThe South African government started deploying 25,000 troops on Thursday to assist local police in curbing the widespread looting and violence that erupted after the incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma, AP reports. Why it matters: The deployment marks one of the country's largest since 1994, when white-minority rule ended. The government said at least 10,000 soldiers had taken to the streets as of Thursday morning. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for fr
Read more »
South Africa riots: At least 72 killed, over 1,000 arrested amid worst violence in decadesAt least 72 people have been killed and over 1,000 others have been arrested in ongoing riots across South Africa, police say.
Read more »
South Africa mulls more troop deployment amid fresh lootingSouth African President Cyril Ramaphosa says he might order more troops onto the streets as authorities struggle to quell looting and violence, while some citizens arm themselves to protect their property from rioters
Read more »
Delta variant surges in Middle East and North Africa as region braces for 'catastrophic consequences'The Middle East and North Africa are witnessing a surge in Covid-19 cases aggravated by the Delta variant of the virus — and it may get worse over coming weeks — according to the World Health Organization.
Read more »