Alleged abuses by members of the SANDF against citizens

30 March 2020

The Department of Defence (DOD) has taken note of various allegations of abuse by members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployed in support of Government efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula condemns any type or form of abuse committed by the deployed soldiers against citizens during the Lockdown period.

The Minister wishes to strongly reiterate the message delivered by the Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF to the deploying soldiers to desist from using excessive force against citizens of the country regardless of the level of provocation they may face whilst deployed. The Minister has since instructed the Chief of the SANDF (C SANDF) to monitor the situation on the ground and deal with those members proven to have used excessive or unnecessary force against the citizens. Such heavy handedness is not in the interest of safeguarding our citizens.

It would be in the best interest of the SANDF to empower the public about the dangers of the virus therefore citizens are urged to remain in their homes at all possible times. This will help curb the spread of the virus in our communities. We appeal to all people to play a positive role in ensuring that the spread of the virus is curbed.

The Minister is calling upon all citizens to adhere to the Lockdown regulations as stated in the government gazette for the duration of the lockdown and to desist from provoking any of the law enforcement officials deployed to assist curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Issued by Department of Defence, 30 March 2020