South African President  Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed the military amid the surge of deadly violence in the country following the arrest of former President Jacob Zuma. 

Zuma handed himself over to the court after the constitutional court sentenced him on the contempt of the court.

At least six protestors have been shot following that after the supporters of Zuma conducted nationwide protests which have turned violent.

South African Army has said they would be assisting police to control the violence that has gripped the provinces since the last few days.

"We will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute those who perpetrate these actions and ensure they face the full might of the law," Ramaphosa said in a national address, as local media played live pictures of malls being looted in Durban.

"It is this rule of law that enables our society to function and our economy to develop in the interests of the people of South Africa."

Ramaphosa acknowledged the protests and looting may have begun with political grievances, but those criminal elements had taken over.

"What we are witnessing now are opportunistic acts of criminality," he said.

"We will soon be facing a huge risk of food insecurity and medication insecurity in a few weeks. Our vaccination program has been severely disrupted just as it is gaining momentum," he said several vaccine sites had to pause administering Covid shots because of the violence.