Photos and videos show chaos as South African crowds clash with police over Jacob Zuma's jailing

South Africa is dealing with the worst violence the country has seen in years as protesters clash with police after the jailing of ex-president Jacob Zuma. 

The protests follow Zuma's arrest last week and have seen an outpouring of general anger over the hardship and inequality that persist 27 years after the end of apartheid. It also comes as poverty has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

More than 70 people have been killed in the unrest which has spread from Zuma's home in KwaZulu-Natal province to the country's biggest city Johannesburg and surrounding Gauteng province, and to the Indian Ocean port city of Durban.

Zuma, 79, was sentenced last month for defying a constitutional court order to give evidence at an inquiry investigating high-level corruption during his nine years in office until 2018.

He also faces trial in a separate case on charges including corruption, fraud, racketeering and money laundering. He pleaded not guilty in court in May.

Here are some of the latest photos and videos of the chaos:

Police officers detain demonstrators in South Africa.
Police officers detain demonstrators as protests continue. Photo credit: Reuters
A policeman guards a group of suspected looters who were apprehended at a shopping centre.
A policeman guards a group of suspected looters who were apprehended at a shopping centre. Photo credit: Getty Images
 South African police force suspected looters to lie down in muddy water after apprehending them on.
South African police force suspected looters to lie down in muddy water after apprehending them on. Photo credit: Getty Images
A fire engulfs Campsdrift Park, which houses Makro and China Mall.
A fire engulfs Campsdrift Park amid protests in South Africa. Photo credit: Reuters
Metro police officers fire at protesters at Jabulani mall as the country deploys the army to quell unrest.
Metro police officers fire at protesters at Jabulani mall as the country deploys the army to quell unrest. Photo credit: Reuters
Supporters of former South African President Jacob Zuma block a freeway.
Supporters of former South African President Jacob Zuma block a freeway. Photo credit: Reuters

Newshub/Reuters