July 2021 unrest: A timeline of violence that shook South Africa

The 2021 July unrest was one of the most traumatic episodes in post-apartheid South Africa, where more than 350 people died, most of which died in just three days, between Monday 12 July and Wednesday, 14 July.

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, testified during the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) hearings into the 2021 July unrest that there were numerous crowd management incidents before the outbreak of unrest in June 2021..

See a timeline of events below.

ALSO READ: Five men sentenced for July Unrest looting

7 July 2021: LARGE CROWDS GATHER AT NKANDLA

Mkhwanazi says large crowds gathered at Nkandla until 7 July, and arrests were made mainly for violations of the COVID-19

restrictions on gatherings. The SAPS was cautious about launching an offensive to avoid violence and confrontation with the police.

Communication and coordination between SAPS and former President Zuma’s Presidential Protection Unit members helped manage the situation during the President’s arrival at the police station in Estcourt on 7 July 2021.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Video captures looters looting items in Cape Town

8 July 2021: PEACEFUL DAY IN KZN

On 8 July, the province was peaceful, and the Minister of Police and the KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner expressed their gratitude to the members involved in the Nkandla episode.

9 July 2021: PRO-ZUMA PROTESTERS BARRICADE ROADS WITH BURNING TYRES IN EMPANGEN

Blockades and disruptions to traffic started occurring unexpectedly, and more incidents followed, including attempts to block roads. Former president Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Dudu Zuma-Sambudla, has taken to social media to say the protesters who are burning tyres on several busy roads in Empangeni, north of Durban, are her father’s supporters.

Thirteen people have been arrested following protests in various KwaZulu-Natal areas, including Empangeni.

ALSO READ: Two more July unrest instigators arrested – totaling 50 arrests

11th JULY 2021: PRO-ZUMA PROTESTS SPILL OVER TO JOHANNESBURG, SAPS ON HIGH ALERT

Businesses in the Durban CBD are under threat as protestors go on the rampage, looting stores and blockading roads with burning tires. Johannesburg Emergency Services say they responded to several fire incidents in several parts of the city overnight.

President Cyril Ramaphosa reads the riot act to Zuma’s supporters and warns that those involved in acts of violence related to the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma will be arrested and prosecuted.

ALSO READ: Nine more ‘instigators’ arrested for 2021 July unrest

12 JULY 2021: UNREST IN KZN,GAUTENG DELAYS SA’S VACCINE ROLLOUT PROGRAMME

The outbreak of violence and looting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng will further delay the country’s vaccination rollout program. This is according to the Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA).

The outbreak of violence and looting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng will further delay the country’s vaccination rollout programme. This is according to the Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA).

Looting breaks out in Jabulani Mall in Soweto.

ALSO READ: Gungubele: July unrest repeat likely due to poverty and corruption

13 JULY 2021: GAUTENG PREMIER DAVID MAKHURA BRIEFS MEDIA ON RESPONSE TO LOOTING

District mayor denies allegations of mobilising protests Mahikeng, North West.

At least 45 people have died in the looting and violence that has rocked Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal following the incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma last week.

14 JULY 2021: SANTACO TO DISCIPLINE DRIVERS INVOLVED IN LOOTING

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) says it will not support any of its members who are using their taxis to loot shops in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng

National Union of Mineworkers (NUM ) slams unrest as worry over job bloodbath sets in.

King Misuzulu KaZwelithini is the eldest son of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini, pleads with the AmaZulu nation to dsist from participating in the looting.

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