S. African gov't says situation returning to normal - China.org.cn

The situation in South Africa is returning to normal with no incidents of violence reported in the last 24 hours, said Acting Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Tuesday.

Ntshavheni made the remarks while briefing the media about the latest development of the unrest over the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma.

"In the past 24 hours, we had no incidents of looting and violence in both provinces (KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng)," she said.

She said some of the malls which closed after violence are now open while ports of Durban and Richards Bay are fully operational with trucks moving across the country delivering essential goods. The law enforcement agencies are maintaining heavy presence in hot spots and national key points.

"The police are on high alert to respond quickly to intelligence they receive of those who are still planning to loot and destroy infrastructure." Ntshavheni said, adding that "The soldiers are working in collaboration with the police in undertaking roadblocks, vehicle control points, undertaking foot and vehicle patrols, cordoning and searching vehicles, clearing roads which were blocked and protecting national key points."

She said the damage to factories and retail facilities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) will have a significant impact on the economy, jobs and access to goods and services.

"This impact will be felt both in KZN and across the rest of the country," she added.