KWAZULU NATAL, South Africa
South African ministers from the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster have condemned the widespread violence that has rocked the country following the jailing of former president Jacob Zuma.
The ministers said in a statement that the situation is under strong surveillance and measures have been put in place to ensure that it does not deteriorate any further.
The ministers further expressed confidence that the country’s law enforcement agencies will do their job effectively to end the chaos.
South Africa descended into chaos after the 79-year-old Zuma handed himself to authorities on Wednesday to begin a 15-month sentence.
He was sentenced for contempt of court, after failing to attend an inquiry into corruption during his presidency.
Businesses have been looted in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng Provinces as police struggle to contain the rowdy rioters.
The JCPS cluster ministers called for restraint from the protesters, terming their acts to be breaking the law.
"No amount of unhappiness or personal circumstances from our people, gives the right to anyone to loot, vandalise and do as they please and break the law. We call on the communities to exercise restraint in dealing with the situation and above all ensure that innocent civilians are not harmed,” the ministers’ statement said.
At least 10 people have been killed in the chaos, with several others injured.
Police have arrested more than 700 people in connection with the violence, and warned others not to engage in the vandalism.
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