Mzansi Celebs angry with SANDF & police for humiliating civilians

Several videos showing the military and police allegedly ill-treating civilians during the lockdown have gone viral, and have sparked outrage on social media. Some of the viral videos purportedly show SANDF members forcing members of the public to perform physical exercises, getting physical and even confiscating their groceries. Several celebrities including Lorna Maseko have spoken out against the alleged mistreatment.

“Why on earth is the military treating people like it’s apartheid… like come on! These videos are disgusting and inhumane! Like WTF! Are they going to other parts of the country and doing this nonsense- that’s not how you instill rules… sies mana!” Lorna wrote.

While many agreed that the military could do better to ensure that civilians adhere to the lockdown rules, others said the military was right to humiliate people that “refused” to floor the simple instructions of staying at home. However, Lorna felt that inhumane treatment was unnecessary. You don’t need to treat people like animals to instill law…. relax and read what I said! They don’t need to be rolling on the floor!” Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula also came out to condemn the alleged brutality by some SANDF members who have been deployed to support police to manage the nationwide lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus.

Speaking to the SABC, the minister said such conduct cannot be condoned. We do not condone what I have heard just now. I have been on radio the whole morning, I’ve been talking on many radio stations to make a plea to our security services to refrain from using excessive force against our people. They are out in the street to protect South Africans, they are not in the street to abuse South Africans,” she said.

Lorna wasn’t the only celebrity who expressed her disappointment in the manner some of the soldiers treated civilians. Singer and activist Simphiwe Dana, media personality DJ Warras and rapper Cassper Nyovest also slammed the behaviour.

See their reactions below.

Celebrate With Lorna Maseko @Lorns_Maseko
You don’t need to treat people like animals to instill law.... relax and read what I said! They don’t need to be rolling on the floor!!!

Ntombikayise @ntombi_kaFather
Uyaphapha wena Lona, these people are risking +57million lives of South Africans by defying the law. This is no time to nurse your feelings, these soldiers MUST protect the country by all means possible. Even if it means beating some common since into their minds. This isn't TV

Celebrate With Lorna Maseko @Lorns_Maseko
Why on earth is the military treating people like it’s apartheid... like come on!!! These videos are disgusting and inhuman!!!! Like WTF 😡 | are they going to other parts of the country & doing this nonsense- that’s not how you instill rules... sies maan! #Covid19InSA

Nathembela Sodiye @Stephinah25
Yes Lorna..Otherwise if they stayed at home like u did.. They wouldn't be rolling on the floor. Phela u are defending adults.. Not kid. The instruction was simple "Stay home to minimize the spread of Corona".

R.M Phoolo✔@casspernyovest
This is wrong. This dude is home mos. Whats wrong with being in your own yard ? I haven't seen one video of them beating am6y white people breaking the law. They need to start beating the white folk surfing, walking dogs and jogging if this is the order from the powers that be.

Mmusi Maimane✔@MmusiMaimane
Bafethu @CyrilRamaphosa , @RonaldLamola @SAPoliceService the civilians are not the enemy. The virus is the enemy.

This is not right. Let’s respect civilian rights and have all security officers observe the law.