South Africa sees 60% rise in excess deaths, suggesting high Covid-19 toll

With more than 10,000 new coronavirus cases reported daily African nation becomes worst-hit region on the continent

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South Africa has recorded nearly 60% more natural deaths than expected in recent weeks, suggesting a much higher toll of coronavirus-related fatalities than officially reported, a study by a respected national research body has concluded.

With more than 10,000 cases now being reported every day, South Africa is now the worst-affected country on the continent and among the top five in the world in terms of confirmed cases, with just under 400,000 infections reported to date, including 5,940 deaths.