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WHO Warns South Africa to Brace For Covid-19 Surge After Riots

A group of suspected looters are rounded up by a group of community vigilantes in Vosloorus, on July 14. — A group of suspected looters are rounded up by a group of community vigilantes in Vosloorus, on July 14.
Photographer: Marco Lnogari/AFP/Getty Images

By

William Clowes and

Antony Sguazzin

July 15, 2021, 11:27 AM UTC

South Africa should prepare itself for a surge in coronavirus cases after days of widespread rioting and looting in the two most populous provinces, the World Health Organization’s Africa director said.

The deadliest and most widespread unrest since the end of apartheid followed the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma on July 7. The looting sprees have occurred amid the country’s third and most severe wave of Covid-19 infections.