Violent South Africa protests

Throughout South Africa, large protests over the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma descended into violence starting on July 8, resulting in the deaths of at least 212 people and the arrest of more than 2,500.

The largest protests were held primarily in the eastern provinces of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, Zuma’s home province. Protesters blocked roads and highways and committed acts of vandalism in Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg. There also were reports of widespread looting. Violent protests had largely ceased by July 18.