Riots over Zuma jailing pre-planned – South African President

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the violence that has rocked the country as pre-planned and an assault on democracy.

Riots were sparked following the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma.

The death toll has risen to 212, up by almost 100 since Thursday, the government said.

Police has been called to protect food deliveries following days of widespread looting of supermarkets that has led to shortages.

An estimated $1bn (£720m) worth of stock was stolen in KwaZulu-Natal with at least 800 retail shops looted, a mayor in the province said.

“It is quite clear that all these incidents of unrest and looting were instigated – there were people who planned it and co-ordinated it.” Mr Ramaphosa said in a visit to KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Zuma’s home province and the epicentre of the violence.

The president said the riots were an attempt to hijack South Africa’s democracy. He told supporters that instigators had been identified, but didn’t elaborate.

“We are going after them,” he added.

Food shortages

In KwaZulu-Natal, many have been queuing for food, sometimes from the early hours of the morning.

The week of violence in the province has left roads damaged or blocked by rioters and the government wants to make sure the food supply is not disrupted, said Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, an acting minister.

Soldiers have been deployed to potential flashpoints and police are providing escorts for the transportation of oxygen, medicines and other key goods, she said.

In a 30-minute televised address later on Friday, Mr Ramaphosa said there was no shortage of food or supplies and urged people against panic buying.

He said more than 2,500 people had been arrested in connection with the unrest and urged South Africans to come together.

“If we stand together, no insurrection or violence in this country will succeed.

“We are engaged in a struggle to defend our democracy, our Constitution, our livelihoods and our safety.

“This is not a battle that we can afford to lose.” Ramaphosa said

What led to the protest

Protests began last week after Zuma handed himself in to police to serve a 15-month sentence for contempt of court.

Zuma’s supporters reacted furiously to his imprisonment, blockading major roads and calling for a shutdown to demand his release.

The protests descended into riots on a scale rarely seen in South Africa. Businesses in every sector were looted, burnt and petrol-bombed in cities and towns across KwaZulu-Natal, as well as Gauteng, which surrounds the country’s biggest city, Johannesburg

BBC/Olawunmi Sadiq