Cyril Ramaphosa leaves London as protests erupt in South Africa
Violent clashes have broken out against an ANC leader in South Africa’s North West Province
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa has left the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London early, due to violent protests in his country.
Protesters clashed with police after shops were looted and vehicles were set on fire in Mahikeng, capital of North West Province.
They are calling for the “resignation of provincial Premier Supra Mahumapelo - a member of Mr Ramaphosa’s governing African National Congress (ANC)” the BBC reports.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A South African police unit known as The Hawks have raided Mahumapelo’s offices, with allegations of maladministration, fraud and corruption amounting to about 160 million rand (£9.5 million), Bloomberg reports.
Mahumapelo has denied the allegations, and has called the protests “an anti-Supra Mahumapelo political campaign which seeks to intimidate residents of Mahikeng”.
South Africa’s Independent Online says protesters are using stones as weapons, and police are responding with tear gas and rubber bullets in an attempt to break up the protest.
Ramaphosa, who took office in February, called for “calm and adherence to the rule of law of the province”, while urging police to “exercise maximum restraint in execution of their duties”.
He had been in London to “assure global investors of his determination to tackle corruption in his country and restore faith in its public institutions”, says The New York Times.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
What's behind Trump's last-minute merch push?
Today's Big Question With just weeks to go before the election, Donald Trump is spending the waning days of his campaign hawking a suite of new products, from silver coins to cryptocurrency
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kamala Harris' plan to raise taxes on corporations and the wealthy
the explainer Tweaks, rather than sweeping overhauls, characterize the Democratic nominee's proposals
By David Faris Published
-
The most notable October surprises
In the Spotlight Late breaking news in October has the power to rock presidential races
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
A brief history of third parties in the US
In Depth Though none of America's third parties have won a presidential election, they have nonetheless had a large impact on the country's politics
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Modern royal scandals from around the world
The Explainer From Spain to the UAE, royal families have often been besieged by negative events
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published