South Africa: Limited reports of widespread looting in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces as of morning of July 14 /update 5

Event

As of the morning of July 14, there are limited reports of widespread looting and unrest amid the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) provinces. Information on the current situation is listed below:

KZN
Widespread fuel shortages remain possible over the coming days after civil unrest in KZN prompted the shutdown of South Africa's largest oil refinery, SAPREF July 13. Company officials cited disruptions to critical incoming and outgoing supply routes, as well as concerns over the safety of personnel and vehicles as the reasons for the move. It is currently unclear how long the closure will continue. The refinery accounts for over 30 percent of the country's oil supply and significant fuel delivery disruptions could develop if the shutdown becomes protracted.

Shortages of certain goods are also occurring in some areas. In Richards Bay, only police and military vehicles are reportedly permitted to refuel due to a fuel shortage. In Umhlanga, Durban, and Pietermaritzburg, food shortages have reportedly prompted long queues at those grocery stores that are continuing to operate.

Roads in northern KZN towards Umhlanga remain impacted as of July 14 after protests occurred July 13. Reports indicating that AFROX, a major supplier of industrial and medical gasses, which is situated in central Durban, was set alight July 13 have been dismissed; operations remain secure. The situation in Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay currently remains relatively calm and with little disruption; however roads will likely remain impacted until they have been cleared of debris. The N3 toll route between Cedara and Harrismith remains closed until further notice.

Gauteng
Johannesburg and surrounds remain relatively calm, if tense as of the morning of July 14, with limited reports of protests and looting in comparison to July 13. Areas worst impacted by unrest in recent days include Sebokeng, Orange Farm, Diepsloot, Lenasia, Kagiso, Tembisa, Alexandra, Daveyton, Benoni, Katlehong, and Vosloorus, as well as the Protea Gardens, Dobsonville, Freedom PArk and Dipkloof areas in Soweto. Unconfirmed reports have stated that taxi owners have opened fire on protesters looting at malls and businesses in Vosloorus, July 14. This comes after a mall was looted in continued protests which occurred through the evening hours of July 13. In Soweto, several protesters have gathered to form a human shield around malls and businesses in efforts to protect remaining businesses from looters. This comes after looting continued in the area in the late evening hours of July 13. The situation in Alexandra remains relatively calm and unconfirmed reports have indicated that police and army officials are travelling door to door confiscating stolen goods.

Metrorail trains will resume operating along some routes after being suspended since July 12. Trains from Pienaarspoort, Mabopane and Saulsville to Pretoria (Tshwane) will resume, as well as Naledi to Johannesburg and the Vereeniging to Union service. The N1 highway in Johannesburg remains open. The M2 highway is open between Benrose and Cleveland.

Protesters have gathered regularly in KZN and Gauteng since former President Jacob Zuma's July 7 arrest and incarceration. Activists have blocked primary and secondary roads, including the N2 and N3, in various locations across both provinces. Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) remain deployed to affected areas of Gauteng and KZN. At least 72 people have been killed and over 1,234 others arrested.

Heavy security will almost certainly remain deployed until the protests abate fully. Ground travel disruptions are likely near all protest sites. Further violence is possible.

Context

Zuma was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment after being found guilty of contempt of court, June 29. He was arrested late July 7 and is currently incarcerated at the Estcourt Correctional Centre. An appeal to the Pietermaritzburg High Court to overturn the warrant of execution for his arrest was dismissed July 7, and on July 12, the Constitutional Court reserved judgment on Zuma’s application to have his 15-month sentence for contempt rescinded.

Although the deployment of SANDF personnel will likely temper the threat of a severe protest escalation, the food, fuel, and basic good shortages in Gauteng and especially KZN could spark further protests. The civil unrest is ostensibly linked to the ongoing incarceration of Zuma; however, most looting action appears opportunistic and criminally motivated, as well as being driven by longstanding grievances over local disputes, high levels of unemployment, service delivery demands, and corruption.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Liaise with trusted contacts for further information on planned and actual protest areas. Consider alternative routes around impact areas. Plan for disruptions to both passenger and freight transport. Reconfirm the status of roads before travel. Heed the directives of the local authorities. Avoid the use of public transport services. Plan accordingly for potential fuel shortages until refinery operations resume. Verify deliveries; implement action plans to minimize supply chain disruptions. Stock up on fuel when possible.

Resources

i-traffic KZN (Twitter)
ECR Traffic (Twitter)
Jo'burg Metro Police Department