Yesterday it was reported that 117 people had died in connection with the riots, which have been going on since the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma just over two weeks ago.
Today, that figure sees a marked increase.
In many cities, the devastation is great after buildings were burned and shops smashed.
Pictures from the city of Durban in the eastern parts of the country show how residents grabbed shovels and rakes in an attempt to clean up the rubble.
Others have armed themselves with golf clubs and iron pipes in the National Guard, with the aim of protecting their property.
- I would not say that we take the law into our own hands.
If there is no law that protects us, what else should we do?
says Ray Sukbhur, who is committed to protecting the Phoenix district of Durban, where he lives.
Applauded by the President
In addition to the National Guard, there is also a large military presence on the streets of South Africa.
25,000 soldiers have been sent out to curb the violence, some in tanks.
However, President Cyril Ramaphosa sees it as positive that civilians are also willing to fight the looters.
- Some citizens have felt that they need to defend their areas and assets.
We welcome the fact that they work together with the security forces.
They stand up for themselves, and we applaud that, he said on Friday.