China News Service, July 17, reported that the riots caused by the arrest of former South African President Zuma are still continuing.
As of the 16th local time, 212 people have died in the riots in South Africa and more than 2500 have been arrested.
South African President Ramaphosa said that the week-long domestic violence and robbery incidents were "planned" by someone, and said that those responsible for the incident will be arrested and brought to justice.
Over 200 people died and more than 2500 arrested
According to reports, the fuse of the riots was that former South African President Zuma surrendered to the police on the 7th for contempt of court.
On the 9th, his supporters started a demonstration in his hometown of Kwazulu-Natal, demanding the release of Zuma.
The protests subsequently developed into violent robberies and arson.
South African President Ramaphosa said on the 16th that the riots had caused 212 deaths.
Among them, 180 people died in KwaZulu-Natal province, and 32 people died in Houten province, where Johannesburg, the economic center of South Africa, is located.
Foreign media reported that violent robberies occurred in many parts of South Africa, and a large amount of food and medicine were looted.
According to preliminary statistics, 161 shopping malls and shopping centers, 11 warehouses, 8 factories and 161 liquor stores have been severely damaged.
The Acting Minister of the Presidency Entshaveni previously stated that the province of Kauten is "relatively calm", but the violent Kwazulu-Natal province is "still in turmoil."
It is reported that the local police received 1,500 reports from late night on the 15th to early morning on the 16th.
The South African government has previously stated that it will convene about 25,000 soldiers to deal with the emergency, which is 10 times the initial dispatched force and is equivalent to about one-third of South Africa's active military personnel.
Ramaphosa: Someone carefully "planned" the riots
On the 16th local time, Ramaphosa went to KwaZulu-Natal for inspection.
On the same day, Ramaphosa said that the damage to South Africa’s economy caused by the riots would reach "billions" of rand, but at the same time ensured that the country had enough food and would distribute it to areas where supplies were interrupted.
He also said that the suspension of new crown vaccination will be quickly resolved.
Ramaphosa also pointed out that the riots in the past week were deliberate and carefully planned attacks on South African democracy, aimed at undermining the economy and creating social instability.
"Obviously, these riots and robberies are all incited by people, and someone is planning and coordinating them."
Ramaphosa added, "We are hunting down these people." "We have identified a considerable number of people, and we will not let anarchy and atrocities just appear in our country."
South African officials said that the investigation has entered a very late stage. One suspected instigator has been arrested and 11 people have been under surveillance.