AU condemns South Africa violence

THE African Union (AU) has condemned the violence, looting and arson taking place in South Africa that have claimed several lives and left a trail of destruction of property.

In a statement yesterday, AU Commission chair Moussa Faki Mahamat called for an urgent return to normalcy.

“The chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, condemns in the strongest terms the surge of violence that has resulted in the deaths of civilians and appalling scenes of looting of public and private property, destruction of infrastructure, including the suspension of essential services in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and other parts of South Africa,” part of the statement read.

“The chairperson extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a rapid and full recovery to the wounded.

“The chairperson calls for an urgent restoration of order, peace and stability in the country in full respect of the rule of law. He stresses that failure to do so can have grave impacts not only in the country but the region as a whole. The chairperson reiterates the full and unwavering solidarity of the African Union Commission with the government and people of South Africa.”

The violence came days after former President Jacob Zuma started serving his 15-month jail term for contempt of court.

By yesterday, about 72 people had been reported dead in violent scenes characterised by looting of shops.