News24 reports that the SA Military Ombud Office says it has received 28 complaints to date since the start of the national coronavirus lockdown.
At least 15 of the complaints were from the public alleging that SA National Defence Force (SANDF) members used excessive force and physical abuse during their lockdown patrols, while others were from serving members themselves concerning their conditions of service. The Ombud released these statistics in the wake of the recent death of an Alexandra man, Collins Khosa, who was allegedly assaulted by SANDF members. The Ombud’s mandate includes dealing with complaints and grievances brought by current and former members of the force as well as complaints from members of the public about the conduct of SANDF members. Speaking last week, Minister of Defence Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the police, military police and the military ombudsman were investigating the circumstances that led to the death of Khosa. According to reports, witnesses and the deceased's family, Khoza was assaulted for drinking in a yard with a friend. This after soldiers reportedly noticed a camp chair and a half-full cup of liquor at his friend's property.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sesona Ngqakamba at News24
- Read too, Khosa family hauls state to court for alleged murder of Collins Khosa at hands of army, police, at City Press
- And also, Afsondering: Ombudsman ontvang steeds klagtes oor SANW, at Maroela Media
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