‘Little to lose’: Poverty and despair fuel South Africa’s unrest

Violence rocking South Africa driven by economic inequality and poverty as well as by politics, analysts say.

Johannesburg, South Africa – South Africa is facing its worst unrest in decades as protests over the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma have led to spiralling violence and looting. At least 72 people have died in six consecutive days of violent clashes between police and protesters and in stampedes by looting mobs. More than 1,200 people have been arrested so far. What initially started as a protest against the jailing of Zuma on Friday for contempt of court has mushroomed into grievances over inequality and poverty that have rocked the country.