Army deployed to quell unrest in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, July 12

South Africa deployed soldiers on the streets on Monday to quell violence that erupted in the wake of former president Jacob Zuma’s jailing, after days of riots left at least six people dead.

The police said disturbances were intensifying and 219 people had been arrested as the controversial ex-leader challenged his 15-month prison term in the country’s top court.

Smoke from burning buildings swirled in the air as items from burgled shops lay strewn by the side of the road in Pietermaritzburg in Zuma’s home province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Opportunistic criminals appear to be taking advantage of the anger some feel over Zuma’s incarceration to steal and cause destruction, the police said.

A statement from the military said “pre-deployment processes had started” following a request for assistance from a government intelligence body. — Reuters