Amnesty International South Africa on Monday called out South African security forces and said while it was urgent and important to ensure citizens adhered to the national lockdown, security forces must abide by national and international human rights laws and standards at all times.

This followed reports that some members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service have used undue force against members of the public and the media.

Amnesty International South Africa director Shenilla Mohamed explained that since South Africa had imposed restrictions on freedom of movement amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, it was imperative that an educational approach, rather than force be used to sensitise anyone who was not complying with the rules of the lockdown.

Mohamed said that hurting or causing injury by using force will only place more strain on the already overburdened medical services, urging security forces patrolling during the lockdown to avoid using force when dealing with members of the public unless strictly necessary and proportionate.

She added that it was also crucial that the authorities clearly identify essential workers, which includes members of the media, so that they can continue with their vital duties during the lockdown.

Meanwhile, Democratic Alliance (DA) Shadow Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Kobus Marais condemned undue force used by security forces as “disgusting”.

Marais said while the DA agreed that those who do not comply with the lockdown regulations should face the consequences for their actions, in accordance with the lockdown regulations, it condemned any act which seeks to humiliate and degrade citizens.

Marais said the party had written to the Military Ombudsman, General (Ret) Vusi Masondo to request an independent investigation, saying the SANDF’s actions were a gross violation of the military’s mandate and of the Bill of Rights.

The party had also written to the Minister of Defence, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.

“South Africa is a constitutional democracy, not a military State. Despite the country being in an unprecedented period in our democratic history; the rule of law, the Bill of Rights and our Constitution must be adhered to at all times,” said Marais.