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People must be protected, not abused, as authorities enforce the law and “protect South Africans against the invisible enemy that is Covid-19,” Johannesburg city mayor Geoffrey Makhubo said on Tuesday.
This after meeting with the family of Collins Khoza, allegedly killed by members of the SA National Defense Force (SANDF) on Good Friday.
According to IOL, witnesses and his family said Khoza was assaulted for drinking on a patio with a friend.
He was reportedly accused of violating blocking regulations after three soldiers noticed a camp chair and a half-filled liquor cup on his friend’s property.
On Tuesday, Makhubo visited Khoza’s widow and family in Alexandra.
Protected
“One death is too much death. Our people must be protected and not abused,” he said in a statement.
“We have also met with SAPS leadership within Alexandra and have reiterated the President’s message to SANDF, SAPS and the Joburg Metro Police to serve, enforce the law and protect South Africans against the invisible enemy which is Covid-19 “.
“We fully condemn any act of violence and violation of the rights of city residents.”
Makhubo urged locals to comply with the closure regulations and to “respond responsibly to the legal instructions of law enforcement and to the best of their ability, while avoiding hindering government work during this period.”
SANDF spokesman Colonel Louis Kirstein said he would cooperate with the ongoing police investigation into Khoza’s death.
“SANDF reiterates that its members are expected to act within the confines of the law during this difficult period, as they enforce blockade regulations and help save lives in support of the police. Any action outside the law will not be tolerated, “she added. .
SANDF must act responsibly – Parliament
On Tuesday, the chairman of the Portfolio Committee on Defense and Military Veterans, Cyril Xaba, called on the SANDF to behave “in accordance with the Constitution” after complaints that the soldiers used excessive force to enforce blocking.
In a statement, Xaba expressed the committee’s support for SANDF’s “noble intentions and efforts” to curb the spread of life-saving Covid-19, however, added that the complaints were “discouraging.”
He said the committee thanked the media and citizens for exposing “these deplorable acts.”
“We appeal to the SANDF members responsible for these acts to behave in accordance with their stature and in accordance with their constitutional obligations to defend and protect the Republic and its people in accordance with the Constitution and the principles of law. that regulate the use of force, “he said.
Citizens were also asked to respect the closing rules, not to resist arrest when violations were committed, and to report civil rights violations to the authorities.
“In addition, we ask citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies deployed in fulfillment of their mandate. We believe that the power vested in the defense force and police services creates a contractual relationship between them and individuals, which does not must be abused, “Xaba said.
“Let’s all act responsibly,” he said.
He also expressed the committee’s immense appreciation for the work and sacrifices of the SANDF members and members of the Reserve Force, who have made themselves available to contribute.
– Compiled by Tammy Petersen and Jan Gerber
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