South African govt plans to deploy 25,000 troops after days of widespread looting

The South African government plans to deploy 25,000 troops after days of widespread looting and violence. The military deployment – to counter riots sparked by the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma – is the biggest since the end of apartheid.

At least 72 people have died and more than 1,700 have been arrested in South Africa’s



worst unrest in years.

Protests began last week after Zuma handed himself into police to serve a 15-month sentence for contempt of court.

Zuma’s supporters reacted furiously to his imprisonment, blockading major roads and calling for a shutdown to demand his release.