South Africa violence: After Jacob Zuma's arrest death toll reaches 212
Johannesburg: The death toll reached 212 in the week-long violence and pillaging following the arrest of former South Africa president Jacob Zuma earlier on July 7.
Violence erupted after Jacob Zuma surrendered himself to police to serve a 15-month jail term for contempt of court on July 9. According to reports, more than 1,200 people have been arrested, while over a thousand shops have been plundered.
Incumbent President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged in a televised address that "we were poorly prepared" for the disorder but vowed that "we will find those who have instigated this violence."
"Those behind these acts have sought to provoke a popular insurrection amongst our people," he said.
According to AFP report, shopping malls and warehouses have been ransacked in two provinces, stoking fears of shortages and inflicting a devastating blow to the economy.
