African Defence Review’s THOMAS HOLDER went out on patrol with members of the SANDF through the streets of Johannesburg. During the country’s nationwide lockdown, conventional police units have been bolstered by the deployment of military forces throughout the country.

 

A driver patrols with the SANDF Mamba in Alex township, Johannesburg.

 

Members of the SANDF load up into a Samil 50 in Alex township, Johannesburg, before going out on patrol to curb the spread of the Covid19 virus.

 

Members of the SANDF deploy on foot in Diepsloot, a township in Johannesburg, in an effort to curb the spread of the Covid19 virus.

 

Members of the SANDF deploy on foot in Diepsloot, a township in Johannesburg, in an effort to curb the spread of the Covid19 virus.

 

Many residents of Diepsloot seem to ignore the threats of the Covid19 virus and the instructions of the President to stay at home. It is business as usual.

 

Members of the SANDF dress in PPE or Personal Protective Equipment during patrols to curb the Covid19 virus.

 

An SANDF member patrolling streets in Diepsloot chats to residents observing regulations to stay at home in an effort to curb the spread of the Covid19 virus.

 

SANDF members on patrol in Diepsloot take time off their patrol to help a mother and her daughters carry heavy groceries to their home. It’s an unfamiliar engagement for a resident who mostly associate the military with enforcement.

 

SANDF members on patrol in Diepsloot take time off their patrol to help a mother and her daughters carry heavy groceries to their home. It’s an unfamiliar engagement for a resident who mostly associate the military with enforcement.

 

Members of the SANDF patrol an informal settlement in the heights of Diepsloot, a township in Johanesburg. The military issues and instruction for residents to stay at home, and working with police, apprehend and detain anyone who violates the order.

 

Members of the SANDF patrol an informal settlement in the heights of Diepsloot, a township in Johanesburg. The military issues and instruction for residents to stay at home, and working with police, apprehend and detain anyone who violates the order.

 

Members of the SANDF patrol an informal settlement in the heights of Diepsloot, a township in Johanesburg. The military issues and instruction for residents to stay at home, and working with police, apprehend and detain anyone who violates the order.

 

SANDF Mambas leave an area of patrol in Diepsloot, a township in Johannesburg.