Washington Post: ‘I am broken’: South African communities are gutted by a wave of looting, arson and loss
KATLEHONG, South Africa — As thousands of people pillaged Chris Hani Mall, named after the famed militant communist who led the armed struggle against apartheid, Zandile Dlamini figured she’d go watch.
To the 18-year-old, the moment felt historic: the crumbling of society that so many had long predicted here, where inequality has ballooned, fueled by corruption and neglect.
The looters were the poor who had scarcely benefited from the end of White rule 27 years ago, leaving their homes in the townships that shadow Johannesburg as a wave of lawlessness swept across South Africa’s two most populous provinces this week.
Her brother Vusi, even though four years younger, felt concerned — and responsible — for her safety. He jumped on his bike and headed toward the mall, thinking he would bring her home.
It was Zandile who found him instead, dead on the ground with a single gunshot to the head. Who shot Vusi isn’t clear, but he is one of at least 212 who have died in the mayhem — killed by police or vigilantes, or crushed in stampedes as people fled law enforcement.
South Africa has deployed 10,000 soldiers in addition to its police and expects to deploy 15,000 more in coming days even as the looting has lessened.
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Update #1: South Africa’s leader vows to restore order, catch plotters -- AP
Update #2: South African leader says calm has been restored to most places -- Reuters
WNU editor: In the middle of this chaos the pandemic is still ravaging the country .... Brace for Covid-19 surge: WHO warns South Africa after riots (Bloomberg).
