The unrest that erupted in South Africa since the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma has so far claimed at least 72 lives.

But why are so many willing to resort to violence to defend the politician who, perhaps more than anyone else, has come to symbolize the deep-rooted corruption in the country's upper echelons?

-It's a symptom.

The internal power struggle within the ANC has been triggered by Zuma's imprisonment, says Henning Melber, professor at the Nordic Africa Institute.

Took the fight to the streets

The African National Congress (ANC) led the fight against the apartheid system and came to power in South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994. The party has ruled since then, but support has begun to fall.

Promised welfare investments have not materialized at the same time as corruption has spread.

At the same time, bitter factional fighting has erupted among those who previously stood side by side in the freedom struggle.

The current president Cyril Ramaphosa defeated Zuma in 2018 in the fight for the leadership of the ANC, and by extension the whole of South Africa.

But Zuma's loyalists did not want to give up their positions, and when the former president now ended up behind bars, they took the fight to the streets.

-Ramaphosa looked to emerge victorious from the battle with the Zuma side.

Probably thought that "now or never" and decided to take the risk of prosecuting him.

Now the Zuma faction has responded by mobilizing protests and inciting violence on social media, says Henning Melber.

Grocery stores are looted

The protests are limited to the provinces of Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng.

But even if this is where the support for Zuma is strongest, Henning Melber believes that it is not primarily party politics that justifies the looting.

-If you look at those who are looting, they do not carry banners to liberate Zuma.

It's a mix of ordinary people and opportunistic criminals.

And if you look at what is stolen, it is mainly food.

People do not know how to provide food for their families after 1.5 years of coronary heart disease and have become desperate.

"Corruption is widespread"

Corruption has been a hot political issue for many years.

Although it is frequently discussed at the highest level and investigations are regularly launched, thefts of public funds rarely have consequences.

-Corruption is widespread at provincial and municipal level.

Imprisoning Zuma will not put an end to corruption.

But if the Zuma faction manages to get him released, it sends the wrong message.