[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Violent protests have spread in South Africa following the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma.
According to AP News and others on the 11th (local time), "Violent protests exploiting the chaos caused by the imprisonment of former President Zuma have spread from his home region of KwaZulu-Natal Province to the economic hub of Gauteng Province, Johannesburg."
In the central commercial district of Johannesburg, protesters armed with bats and golf clubs were seen marching. South African police have arrested more than 60 people in connection with the protests.
The previous night, about 300 people erected barricades and caused disturbances on a major highway in Johannesburg. It was also reported that shots were fired at passing vehicles.
Looting targeting stores and vehicle arson incidents were reported in the Alexandra area and the outskirts of Jepestown. Police discovered the body of a man in his 40s at a store that caught fire and are investigating the exact circumstances.
Looting targeting stores also occurred in Durban, a southeastern port city in South Africa.
Violent protests broke out in KwaZulu-Natal Province after former President Zuma voluntarily surrendered to the police on the 7th for sentence execution, and the unrest continues to spread to other regions. Police stated it is unclear whether crimes such as looting are connected to supporters of former President Zuma.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa appealed on the evening of the 11th, saying, "There is no justification for violent and destructive behavior," urging restraint in the violent protests. However, it is difficult to predict whether the chaos caused by former President Zuma's imprisonment will subside easily.
The South African Constitutional Court sentenced former President Zuma to 15 months in prison last month for contempt of court. During his tenure (2009?2018), he was involved in widespread corruption allegations and was summoned to appear before the 'Anti-Corruption Commission,' but he denied the charges and resisted before eventually surrendering to the police. This is the first time a former president in South Africa has been sentenced to prison and incarcerated.
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