The hot spots: Chaos and criminality continue unabated in Gauteng and KZN – other provinces on alert
The violence, looting and intimidation that flared up after Jacob Zuma’s incarceration continued in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng on Monday, while the SANDF was being deployed to assist overwhelmed police. The country is on alert as the Constitutional Court heard Zuma’s application to rescind its judgment sentencing the former president to 15 months in prison. President Cyril Ramaphosa is due to address the nation later on Monday….more
Sending in the Troops: Is it a help or a hindrance having soldiers on the streets during tense times?
The rioting and looting in parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal has reached a point where the presidency has decided to deploy the military in support of the police. Despite there being almost twice as many police officers as soldiers in the SANDF, they still need the help of the men and women in green (and brown)…..more
‘Contingency plans’ for delivery of oxygen as unrest puts private hospitals in KZN and Gauteng under pressure
Private hospitals in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal are under huge pressure, two of South Africa’s biggest healthcare providers, Life Healthcare and Netcare said on Monday as violent protests and looting tore through the two provinces…..more
Cyril Ramaphosa: ‘We will restore calm and order
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday vowed to “restore calm and order”, as violent riots and looting rocked large parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Speaking during a national address, he said that it was of vital importance to “restore calm and stability without any delay”. “It is vital that we prevent any further loss of life or injury, or destruction of valuable infrastructure and property that sustains the lives of our people…..more
Mobilise all resources to restore calm in SA, says Ramaphosa
South Africa would mobilising all available resources and capabilities to restore order in the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday. “I’d like to be clear, we will take action to protect every person in this country against the threat of violence, intimidation, theft and looting,” he said. “We will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute those who perpetrate these actions and we will ensure that they face the full mite of our law.”….more
Minister questions inaction by private security guards as looters rampage
Security cluster ministers want private security companies to help quell the looting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula decried inaction by private security companies, whom she described as well-armed and well-organised and, in the main, responsible for securing private properties and businesses. She was speaking on behalf of the security cluster ministers, who were briefing the ANC’s national executive committee meeting on the latest developments regarding violent protests and looting of businesses in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng….more