Mzansi reacts to police & army 'brutality' during lockdown - 'they must respect the law'

The violence has been met with widespread condemnation by the public.

31 March 2020 - 09:09 By Cebelihle Bhengu

Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.

Long Street in Cape Town at midnight during the national lockdown.
Image: ESA ALEXANDER/SUNDAYTIMES

SANDF has received public condemnation after videos of citizens allegedly being punished for violating the rules of the lockdown, have been circulated on social media.

The DA MP Kobus Marais on Monday called on military ombudsman Gen Vusi Masondo to investigate alleged gross violations of the military mandate and bill of rights by members of the defence force.

He said the actions of the army were disgusting and called for an independent investigation to be initiated on the matter.

Marais was told by the acting chief of the army, Maj-Gen MJ de Goede, who confirmed that the matter had been registered for investigation. He called for transparency and accountability of SANDF.

“While we agree that those who do not comply with the lockdown regulations should face the consequences for their actions, in accordance to the lockdown regulations, we condemn any act which seeks to humiliate and degrade citizens,” said Marais.

On Wednesday last week, defence and military veterans minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula assured South Africans that the military would not use force to implement the rules of the lockdown, as reported by TimesLIVE.

Here are some of the responses shared on Twitter:

The SAPS/SANDF eagerness to act harshly with black communities and negotiate with the white communities is going to end in tears. And it will be a disaster for us all. Gently persuade people to stay at home because we desperately need them to.
— Coceka Mfundisi (@Cmfundisi) March 29, 2020

To my fellow SAns who keep praising police and army personnel beating up suspects in townships and elsewhere, remember this: It is at times of societal strain and stress like this that many emulate, and then become, exactly like their former oppressors. Be careful, my people.
— Justice Malala (@justicemalala) March 30, 2020

I find it pointless for SAPS and SANDF to carry guns while fighting this pandemic. #Vosloorus #Covid19SA pic.twitter.com/DTnuTD1pm1
— NATIC THE BAE(RETWEET KING) (@KING_KNATIC) March 30, 2020

So it's wrong to just sit in your yard according to SANDF and SAPS even when the gate is locked bathi you must be phakathi phakathi inside your house 🙄 #Day4
— MoJack (@MoJack57959472) March 30, 2020

Dear @PresidencyZA @JacksonMthembu_
It is disturbing to see visuals of SANDF and SAPS harrassing, beating up and shooting BLACK PEOPLE in their own yards.
Please address the law enforcers NOT to be the 1st ones to break the law.
This attitude reminds us Apartheid days.
— Mzwanele Manyi (@MzwaneleManyi) March 30, 2020

The brutality that poor predominantly black South African are being subjected to at the hands of the SANDF and SAPS is something I will never be okay with! Heads must roll and discipline must prevail as soon as possible! #Covid19inSA
— Sakhile Mngadi 🇿🇦 (@Sakhilemngadi) March 30, 2020

I am very concerned with the attitude of the very people who are there to protect us. It’s as if it’s open season on citizens and all their pent up violence is about to explode. If the police and military can’t obey the law people won’t respect them or the law. It’s lose lose!
— Bruce Dyke (@BCDyke) March 30, 2020

I have been calling for an end to brutality

A life lost in the name of vigilance given the circumstances is the highest form of ignorance and impunity

Shame on SANDF , SAPS @PresidencyZA

Now a family has to bear a loss of a bread winner gone #SANDF #Day4OfLockdown #Day4 pic.twitter.com/EJLCyO14v3
— Alvero (@InspiredAlvero) March 30, 2020

The scenes of soldiers manhandling people and forcing them to do exercises are frightening. It is an abuse of power and needs to be curtailed by the leadership of SANDF and SAPS. It is hard to expect respect from the populace for policing when the police and army don't show any.
— @arfness (@Arfness) March 30, 2020