Jailing of ex-president Jacob Zuma triggers fierce unrest in South Africa, Hundreds loot shops, warehouses in worst unrest in years

South Africa riots

Protests continue for South Africa as discontent over the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma has broiled over into rallies against inequality. The clashes with police are widespread and looters have ransacked shopping malls in the nations worst unrest in years.

From the eastern provinces of KwaZulu-Natal to Johannesburg's economic hub, people seized and stole at will as they have done for the past few days. Highways are on fire, skies full of smoke. The police are hopelessly outnumbered.

Protests started with the jailing of former South African President Jacob Zuma last Wednesday. Accused of corruption, his supporters see his treatment as a symbol of current government's repression. 

Just before a midnight deadline, Zuma turned himself in to start serving a 15-month prison sentence. The country's constitutional court handed down the punishment for failing to show up at hearing investigating alleged corruption during his presidency.

The 79 year old resigned under pressure in 2018 after 9 years in power. Zuma says the sentence is not fair. 

"I'm not scared of going to jail for my beliefs. It will not be for the first time. I will be a prisoner of conscience. I'm not asking for sympathy but justice. My age and health condition and any other mitigating circumstances were not considered when the imprisonment was decided," 

former South African President Jacob Zuma said.

As of Tuesday the death toll resulting from the violence and looting had jumped to over 70. Many of the deaths occurred in chaotic stampedes as people tried to steal food, home appliances, and clothing from retail stores.

As the chaos continues there are demands for a state of emergency to be declared. But South Africa's leaders are resisting those calls.