If you feel that the army has been roughing you up, seek medical attention, document your injuries and and lay a criminal complaint.

This is the message from Bonteheuwel ward councillor, Angus McKenzie, after he received complaints from members of the community about the army using heavy handed tactics. “I have received a growing number of complaints from community members alleging heavy-handed treatment by members of the army during operations in our areas. As with any incident, there will always be two sides to every story. But the reality is this the army is not the police. Police officers will often negotiate, engage and discuss situations with residents. Soldiers are trained differently, operate differently, and respond differently. This was always my concern when many communities celebrated the army coming into our neighbourhoods. The question was never whether people wanted safer communities, we all do. The question was whether we fully understood how the army operates once deployed into civilian spaces,” says McKenzie.

No influence

McKenzie says he has little to no influence over where the army is deployed or when they are deployed. “But it is my sincere hope and prayer that wherever the army members engage with communities, residents cooperate with lawful instructions in order to avoid unnecessary confrontation or escalation. At the same time, let me be equally clear no person deserves to be assaulted, manhandled or mistreated. Very little justification exists for excessive force against ordinary residents. If you believe you have been the victim of alleged assault or abuse, I strongly encourage you to, seek medical attention immediately, document your injuries, open a criminal case, and formally report the incident.

“Rights and responsibilities go hand in hand. You may not be a gangster, but you still have a responsibility to cooperate with a lawful instruction given by a soldier during an operation. We need safer communities, but we must also ensure that safety never comes at the cost of dignity, accountability and respect for innocent residents,” says McKenzie.

No complaints

TygerBurger reached out to the Bishop Lavis police to enquire if any cases were laid against the army. Sergeant Samantha Adonis, police spokesperson, says they are not aware of any complaints. “We encourage residents who feel they are being treated heavy handed, to lay complaints at the police station. We also encourage people to respect the army and the police when they are busy with lawful work,” says Adonis.

ALSO READ: Army deployment no long-term solution for under-resourced police in Kraaifontein