Second wave prompts calls for SANDF soldiers ‘to enforce mask rules’

The role SANDF soldiers played in enforcing the toughest lockdown rules at the beginning of the pandemic came under intense scrutiny this year, following reports of alleged brutality and the circumstances surrounding the killing of Collins Khoza. But could the second wave of COVID-19 put the army back on our streets – to monitor mask compliance?

In comments shared by the Sunday Times, three senior figures ramped-up their demands for public mask wearing.

Leading GP wants more SANDF support during ‘second wave’

One medical expert from Durban is pleading with the government to get tough with the citizens who are simply failing to wear their face coverings in busy public spaces. Dr. Mags Moodley has grown incandescent with the way cases have spiked in recent weeks, and he believes that SANDF intervention would force many people to ‘fall in line’.

• Durban general practitioner, Dr Mags Moodley:

“We’ll need to shut down large events and gatherings. We need more police and army on the streets. People need to adhere to masking and distancing, and people must isolate or quarantine as per guidelines.”

Alan Winde seeks consequences for those not wearing masks

The proposal comes as two of the most prominent politicians embroiled in the battle against COVID-19 made similar statements over the weekend. Alan Winde, the Premier of the Western Cape, says he wants the government to implement strict consequences for those caught without a mask in places where they’re required to wear one.

• Spokesperson for Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, Bianca Capazorio:

“There needs to be stronger enforcement of existing regulations and to investigate introducing consequences for not wearing a mask – given its major importance in the fight against the pandemic and support by scientists”.

Second wave: Zweli Mkhize’s mask-wearing warning

Meanwhile, the leading authority on the COVID-19 pandemic has also stressed the need for citizens to get masked-up. Zweli Mkhize used a public speech on Saturday to reaffirm that wearing a mask in public is ‘non-negotiable’. He did, however, stop short of calling for further SANDF intervention.

• Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize:

“The time has come for South Africans to make a choice – life, or sickness and death. We therefore all need to take action to save lives and protect everyone. We must commit to small gatherings, responsible drinking, frequent sanitising, social distancing. No-one should compromise on the correct and consistent wearing of masks.”