When it comes to loyalty, that’s one character trait that many of us seek to find in people. It seems like the people of South Africa are showing that they have loyalty down-packed. South Africa is currently trending on Twitter after residents are steppin’ behind their former President Jacob Zuma. Following the news, he turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday, July 7th, to start serving a 15-month prison term for contempt of court. Jacob received an order from the Constitutional Court, which is the country’s highest court.
Since Jacob started his sentence, many residents have become upset and have started taking matters into their own hands, in the form of looting and civil unrest, according to NBC News. The unrest is mainly concentrated in Jacob’s home province of KwaZulu-Natal. Reports state that several shops were looted overnight, and a section of a highway was closed. In addition, protesters marched through Johannesburg this past Sunday.
With Jacob being sentenced to a 15-month prison term, it is seen as a test of the post-apartheid nation’s ability to enforce the law fairly, and basically, it shows that no one is above the law. The country’s current President, Cyril Ramaphosa spoke out about the unrest on Sunday. He stated that there was no justification for violence in the country and that it was damaging efforts to rebuild the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
South African police said that criminals participating in looting took advantage of their anger by stealing and causing damage. The National intelligence body (NatJOINTS), which coordinates all security and law enforcement operations throughout the country, has warned individuals inciting violence could face criminal charges. So far NatJOINTS said that 62 people have been arrested for their acts in the country’s main economic hub KZN and Gauteng.
Roommates, let’s keep the people of South Africa in our prayers at this time.
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