Dozens dead in South Africa amid riots, looting after ex-leader's arrest

July 13 (UPI) -- Dozens of people have been killed and injured in South Africa as a result of widespread rioting that broke out among supporters of former President Jacob Zuma, who was arrested and jailed last week.

Zuma surrendered to police last Thursday and was jailed for contempt of court, related to court proceedings that examined accusations of corruption when Zuma was in office between 2009 and 2018.

Since Zuma was jailed, various violence has swept through several areas of South Africa, including Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

Dozens of people were dead as of Tuesday, officials said. South Africa's News 24 reported at least 45 dead.

At least 10 people were killed at a stampede at Ndofaya Mall in Soweto, authorities said.

Many were killed after being trampled by stampedes at retail stores, and several buildings have been set on fire.

Officials said about 2,500 troops were deployed to the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

Hundreds of residents have been arrested. Zuma is serving 15 months in prison for contempt of court for failing to show up to a state-backed corruption inquiry.