SANDF: Our soldiers need ‘people skills’
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has admitted that its soldiers could do better when interacting with ordinary South Africans while patrolling the lockdown.
“We will have to improve ourselves in dealing with our people because we don’t know the future wars how they would look like and to deal with the people is the most difficult thing to do as a soldier,” said Chaplain-General Nonwabisi Jamangile.
Jamangile has however thrown his weight being soldiers that have been disciplined during the lockdown.
He addressed the media in Pretoria on Saturday.
He also urged religious formations to assist South Africans and “and preach the gospel of how to look after ourselves.”
At least 10 people are said to have died at the hands of law enforcement officers during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The death of Alexandra man, Collins Khosa, which is being disputed by government, remains the most controversial.
The SANDF will not be reopening an inquiry that found that the soldiers implicated in the death of Khosa cannot be held responsible.
A criminal probe into the incident remains ongoing.