South Africa is in strife.

Accused ofoverseeing a kleptocratic state during his years in power, Zuma was arrested on July 7.

Two days later, the looting started.

Who is Jacob Zuma?

Jacob Zuma assumed the presidency in 2009.

After years of corruption allegations, andfacing a vote of no confidence, Zuma resigned as president in 2018.

Zuma is accused of mass cronyism.

The state power utility, Eskom, epitomizes the graft.

Power shortages led to countrywide blackouts in 2007, after which two coal-fired power plants were commissioned.

They were scheduled to be completed in 2012 and 2013, respectively, but both are still under construction.

One is scheduled to befully operational by the end of the year, the other byMay 2024.

Eskom is one of many state institutions thought to have been touched by governmental rot.

That put it just below Czech Republic and just above Samoa and Malaysia.

So why was he arrested?

When Zuma was arrested last Wednesday, it wasn’t on corruption charges – it was forcontempt of court.

He’s been sentenced to 15 months in prison.

Zuma refused to appear in front of the Zondo Commission, which he himself started in 2018 as president.

The Zondo Commission’s aim is to investigate claims of state capture and public sector corruption.

Zumafaces 16 countsof corruption, racketeering, fraud and money laundering.

More charges are expected to be added as the commission’s work continues.

Zuma has rejected all charges.

“They took a decision that Zuma must be removed from the decision-making structures of the ANC.

In December 2020 Zuma was summoned to testify to the commission twice more, in January and February.

After he missed his January testimony, South Africa’s Constitutional Court ordered Zuma to testify to the commission.

After Zuma refused, he was sentenced to 15 months in prison for contempt of court.

Zumahanded himself over to authoritieslast Wednesday.

When did the rioting start?

Prior to Zuma handing himself in, supporters amassed at Zuma’s residence to prevent authorities from arresting him.

Supporters blockaded roads and resorted to arson, which included burning down buildings.

Shopping centers and factories have been attacked and looted,reportedly including distribution centers for LG and Samsung.

Video: Nettow#ShutdownSA#ShutdownSouthAfrica#ZumaUnrest#ShutdownKZNpic.twitter.com/9JtzxZhJr6

Buildings have been set on fire in Durban.

Gauteng’s capital is Johannesburg, the country’s financial center.

With supermarkets looted, food trucks burned and a national highway closed off,some fear oncoming food shortages.

JUST IN - Every single store in the Jabulani Mall near Johannesburg has been looted.

Reports and videos of riots at more malls in parts of South Africa.pic.twitter.com/t5DL96EVIM

SAD!

Over 1,200 people have been arrested, with 72 killed.

Why are people rioting?

Explainations include political violence, opportunistic looting, ethnic tension and dissatisfaction with poverty and inequality.

Many are blaming family and close associates of Zuma for inciting the violence.

Some have called the protests a repudiation of the state of South Africa.

TheWorld Bank called it the most unequal country in the worldin 2018.