South Africa Deploys Additional 25,000 Troops to Suppress Riots... "Situation Slightly Eased"

Smoke rising from a large supermarket in South Africa due to arson by rioters [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] South Africa announced on the 15th that the situation has somewhat eased as it deployed 5,000 troops from the National Defense Force.

According to major foreign media, Acting Minister of the Presidential Office Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stated, "There have continued to be reports of violence, looting, and destruction targeting critical infrastructure," but also claimed, "The additional deployment of personnel has begun to yield positive results, leading to a decrease in reports of violence and looting."

She added, "Currently, 5,000 troops from the South African National Defense Force have already been deployed on the ground." Initially, President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed only about 2,500 troops, which was widely criticized as insufficient to restore public order.

The government plans to increase the riot control forces by an additional 25,000 troops. Defense Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said in parliament yesterday that procedures are underway to deploy additional troops to the affected areas.

Minister Ntshavheni also appealed, "In these difficult times, we ask for calm and restraint," and emphasized, "The government is working with the National Consumer Goods Council to ensure food security."

In South Africa, protests began on the day after former President Jacob Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in prison on the 8th. Former President Zuma was imprisoned for contempt of court after refusing an investigation order on corruption charges. Large-scale looting and riots occurred in his hometown and economic centers such as Johannesburg.

According to Bloomberg News, the death toll is at least 72, the highest since South Africa's democratization in 1994. More than 1,700 people have reportedly been arrested.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.