Gallery Video

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS & VIDEO - The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was received in Graaff-Reinet with mixed feelings. 

For many, their presence was a relief, as many people are not adhering to the regulations set out for the 21-day lockdown. 

While taking photos of them, some described their presence as a reminder of the apartheid era, bringing back memories of pre-1994.

On Thursday evening 2 April, the SANDF drove through town in three armoured vehicles, accompanied by the military police, to set up base at Urquhart Caravan Park.

Watch a video below.

Photo gallery: The SA Army comes to town

The next day, SANDF and the local police were in meetings to discuss their duties during the lockdown.

They left the Graaff-Reinet Police Station at 3pm, driving through town to the northern side of Umasizakhe.

The SANDF driving through town on their way to Umasizakhe.

Accompanied by the police and traffic control officers, they drove from there to Kroonvale, Asherville and Santaville, dropping off soldiers to patrol the streets on foot and warn people on the street to go home.

Since their arrival, neither the SANDF nor the police wanted to comment on what their duties entail, but they were seen at roadblocks and accompanying the police on patrols.

Watch a video below:

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