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My heart is bleeding for my country tonight

354 replies

TrixieLou · 12/07/2021 22:03

Name changed and posting here for traffic.

I have been resident in the UK for 15 years but I am originally from Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. My country is on fire. It has been mentioned on the news today but the football has completely overshadowed the story. My family live in the worst hit area. Shopping centres have been looted and destroyed. Thousands of criminals have been shooting, looting, throwing grenades and setting off bombs. I had my father on the phone earlier and could hear gunshots in the background. The police and the military are doing nothing. My brothers are currently blocking off their roads with their vans. They are armed with guns. Most of their neighbours are there too. They are watching thousands of angry protesters approach from the valley below. Gunshots. Fire. Bombs. There is black smoke billowing in the air from trucks and cars being set on fire. Thousands of people are walking on the streets carrying merchandise from destroyed shopping centres. People are shooting at each other. They have said that this is only the beginning. Private homes will be next. The homes that house my family and friends. My family are scared for their lives tonight. I just had my father in tears on the phone, telling me he doesn’t know what is going to happen tonight and that he loves me. He never got to meet my new baby.

Please pray for South Africa tonight. Or send good thoughts if you don’t pray. They will never recover from this. They were already on their knees.

OP posts:
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Etceteraaah · 12/07/2021 22:27

Oh OP. I'm so sorry. This must be absolutely terrifying for your family and devastatingly worrying for you. I don't know what to say other than I am sending good thoughts your way and to your family ♥️

IvorHughJarrs · 12/07/2021 22:28

I'm so sorry and hope your family will be OK. My family lived in Cape Town for a few years in the early 80s so I know what a beautiful country it is but it was troubled then and it was clear that the changes then would lead to even more troubles.
@Vinniepolis - I don't think people here in the UK understand the power of tribalism. It does defy all logic

isthisouting · 12/07/2021 23:00

I'm from PMB. this is gut wrenching. Love to you and your friends and family OP Thanks

Blowingagale · 12/07/2021 23:07

@TrixieLou I’ll pray for South Africa and KZN tonight. I did not know what was going on - drowned out by Euros and local Covid.

When looking up the story I notice SA is continuing to be hit by Covid. They have a population of about 60 million and have administered 4.2 million doses - about 6.5% with one dose compared to.

apnews.com/article/africa-business-lifestyle-health-government-and-politics-6acb0706600fd00aaf842a4cb0af5e47

TrixieLou · 12/07/2021 23:10

Thank you all for your kind messages of support. It’s going to be a long night. No chance of sleeping while I know my loved ones are in so much danger. Former president Zuma was jailed last week for corruption. His supporters have sworn to protest and riot until he is set free. They have said that he fought for their freedom during apartheid so now they will fight for his freedom. This is what sparked everything but it has now turned into so much more. People are angry, they’re feeling resentful and oppressed. It’s all such a mess.

My heart is bleeding for my country tonight
My heart is bleeding for my country tonight
My heart is bleeding for my country tonight
OP posts:
PRabbit · 12/07/2021 23:19

I wasn’t aware this was happening. Shocked that it isn’t being more widely covered. I hope people can stay safe. A lot of them have dual citizenship so may be able to escape to another country.

Blowingagale · 12/07/2021 23:19

Posted too soon 86% of UK have had at least one dose. Sobering and I’m trying to check what became of UK promises to donate doses now (rather than by 2022).

Perching · 12/07/2021 23:23

My parents are barricaded in their house with our old nanny that still lives with them and my dad is armed, they have decided together earlier today to shoot any unknown person that sets foot on their property tonight. The three of them are all 70+ ffs. The policy are busy elsewhere apparently the army is being deployed. My mum says the neighbourhood is very very quiet. I don’t pray but I am hoping for calm. One protesting teenager has already been shot today in our town apparently by police, so sad and senseless.

Perching · 12/07/2021 23:24

Also N KZN

NeedToKnow101 · 12/07/2021 23:24

Im so sorry OP. I saw a bit of this on channel 4 news. I hope your family can keep safe. ❤️

SheldonesqueTheBstard · 12/07/2021 23:28

perching and butterkist and trixie

I’ve just no words. 😔

But I’m thinking of you all and the ones you love. To better and brighter days 🌻

GreyhoundG1rl · 12/07/2021 23:31

God, this is terrible Shock. So sorry, op, hope your family are safe.

CiaoForNiao · 12/07/2021 23:33

Love and prayers for all of you who have family and friends there. Words can't come close to how terrified you must feel. I hope this all comes to an end quickly.

Blacktothepink · 12/07/2021 23:36

♥️ And prayers for you op.

CatherineAragon · 12/07/2021 23:39

Sending prayers for all those affected. I have family connections in SA too. How awful for you OP.

Dreamer202 · 12/07/2021 23:48

OP what an awful situation. I had not seen it on the news. My thoughts are with you and your family tonight.

mellicauli · 12/07/2021 23:51

It's terrible. We have friends in PMB. Hope it doesn't go on too long. I didn't realise that private residences are under threat too. SO worried for everyone there.

shouldistop · 12/07/2021 23:52

My SIL is South African and her parents live there. It's just awful. I hope your family stay safe.

EileenGC · 12/07/2021 23:54

I will be praying tonight OP. Sending you and your loved ones lots of strength.

One of my friends is on the scene as one of the journalists reporting right from Kwazulu Natal. She was at the prison 3 days ago and her last update was that she has been advised to stay indoors for the foreseeable. What an awful situation for everyone living there right now, I will keep praying.

shouldistop · 12/07/2021 23:54

@mellicauli sadly I think in some areas it's common for private residences to be under threat.
My sister in laws dad won't leave her mum alone at home, if he has to go away for work then a male family member will come to stay with her. They have several guns on their property and are generally pretty scared to go anywhere.

Buttercup54321 · 12/07/2021 23:54

This is terrifying. I hope your family is afe op xxx

Secondbellini · 12/07/2021 23:55

I am sorry OP. I will pray for you and your family.

Staffy1 · 12/07/2021 23:55

Very frightening. I hope your family are alright and the rioting comes to an end.

Dyrne · 12/07/2021 23:58

Oh wow this must be such a worrying time for you. I’d seen news about Cuba but the latest in South Africa had completely passed me by. Flowers to those affected.

user1473878824 · 13/07/2021 00:02

I had no idea this was going on despite usually feeling like I am quite up on the news and I’m so sorry OP, it must be terrifying for you.