South Africa, March 19 -- The number of official novel coronavirus cases in South Africa has climbed to 116, and grocery retailers have attempted to quell consumer fears surrounding stock shortages as photos and footage of panic buyers and empty supermarket shelves filter through social media.

"The gaps which are now evident on our shelves and those of other supermarkets are because of the unprecedented demand as a result of fear over the effect of the coronavirus, but we have new stock arriving regularly and we are working around the clock to keep shelves stocked," said Pieter Engelbrecht, CEO of The Shoprite Group.

He added that the Group, which is Africa's largest retailer, has increased its orders and is sourcing new and additional ...