Since the lockdown was declared in South Africa, the South African National Defense force (SANDF) was deployed to the streets of South Africa.
Their aim is to help the South African Police services to tame down the movements of the residents in order to keep them calm and curve the virus by limiting the number of movements in the neighborhoods.
The social media platforms were buzzing with the different kinds of treatments that were endured by residents in the arms of the force.
Soshanguve pulse took to the streets of Soshanguve to hear from the residents if the SANDF is helping or abusing their power according to the views of the residents.
A resident of Soshanguve, Ms Nomhlekhabo Babili, said with the video clips that have been circulating on social media, her impression is that the SANDF is abusing its powers.
“I think the military team is here to demonstrate their power and violate our rights because their duty is to help police restrict peoples’ movements, conduct roadblocks and to curtail unrest, not to punish people by subjecting them to frog jumps. That is totally wrong no matter the justification behind it,” said Ms Babili.
Mr Sfiso Makhoba also a resident of Soshanguve, said depending on how it is viewed, some SANDF members are abusing their powers as seen from the press.
“However, their main mandate is to protect and maintain peace and order. Unfortunately, we as citizens are not adhering to the directive by our president hence force is now used,” he said, adding that soldiers understand that fear is the only way to get individuals to stay at home even though in some instances the kind of force used is unwarranted”.
Mr Admire Maluleke, also a resident from Soshanguve said the SANDF was deployed to maintain law and order but then there were unintended consequences where people were injured or killed as reported in the media.
Minister of Defense Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has since cautioned members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) against their heavy-handedness during the lockdown.
The Minister said that they should refrain from using any kind of force – even if they are provoked.
