Why have South Africans been on a looting rampage? Research offers insights
Research findings on looting, nonetheless, suggest that such phenomena are rarely caused by one thing.
Jacob Zuma: When did erstwhile South African revolutionary lose his way?
As president he was accused of working with an Indian family, the Guptas, in orchestrating “state capture” (seizing control of state organs for corrupt purposes).
Violence in South Africa: An uprising of elites, not of the people
The violence has been widely seen as an expression of anger and frustration by people living in poverty, which has been much worsened in South Africa by the impact of Covid-19.
South Africa in flames: Spontaneous outbreak or insurrection?
Poor and hungry people exist, and the state should be ashamed. But hungry people do not become violent looters on behalf of better-known looters who are in jail.