SOUTH AFRICA: ASSESSING INSECURITY RISKS ONE YEAR AFTER THE JULY 2021 LOOTING

   Tue, 21 June 2022

Several upcoming dates for key judicial and political events would be potential trigger events for a repeat of widespread unrest and politically motivated violence, particularly in the populous KwaZulu-Natal province that was the epicentre of last year’s riots and looting, as well as to a marginally lower extent the economic hub of Gauteng province. Despite a gradual erosion of law enforcement capability and trust in police services, South African self-defence groups, local communities, and industry bodies are more prepared than last year to prevent a widespread escalation of violence.