Final answer:
The probable reasons behind the looting of shops and malls in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal include political instability, economic disparity and social media influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The probable reasons behind the looting of shops and malls in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal include political instability, economic disparity, and social media influence. Political instability can lead to social unrest, while economic disparity can create a sense of inequality and frustration among the population.
Social media influence can amplify and spread messages that incite looting and unrest.