Rioters loot the Jabulani Mall in the Soweto district of Johannesburg on July 12, 2021. (Photo by LUCA SOLA/AFP via Getty Images)
A man carries looted goods outside a liquor store at the Jabulani Mall in Soweto, southwest of Johannesburg, on July 12, 2021. (Photo by GUILLEM SARTORIO/AFP via Getty Images)
Rioters loot the Gold Spot Shopping Centre in Vosloorus, southeast of Johannesburg, on July 12, 2021.(Photo by GUILLEM SARTORIO/AFP via Getty Images)
A picture taken in Vosloorus, southeast of Johannesburg, on July 12, 2021 shows the Gold Spot Shopping Centre after being looted. (Photo by GUILLEM SARTORIO/AFP via Getty Images)
South Africa Police Service (SAPS) officers shoot rubber bullets and live ammunition toward rioters who are looting the Jabulani Mall in the Soweto district of Johannesburg on July 12, 2021.(Photo by LUCA SOLA/AFP via Getty Images)
A looter smiles as she runs away from a member of the South African Police Services (SAPS) inside the Lotsoho Mall in Katlehong township, East of Johannesburg, on July 12, 2021. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images)
Many of the deaths occurred in chaotic stampedes as scores of people looted food, electric appliances, liquor, and clothing from retail centers, KwaZulu-Natal premier Sihle Zikalala told the press.
The deployment of 2,500 soldiers to support the South African police has not yet stopped the rampant looting although arrests are being made at some areas in Johannesburg, including Vosloorus in eastern Johannesburg.
The economic impact of COVID-19 restrictions has exacerbated the problems.
