The group was welcomed on Monday with a parade by the Municipality's Mayor, Nkosijali Speelman, at the Thabong South African Police Service (SAPS) Academy in Welkom.

Speelman says these military members will be joining the frontline battle against coronavirus during the 21-day lockdown. He further adds that they will be armed with protective gear and face masks.

The deployment in the Matjhabeng area, which includes Welkom, Virginia, Hennenman, Odendaalsrus and Ventersburg, comes eleven days after the national lockdown has commenced.

OFM News previously reported the first SANDF group was welcomed in the Free State by premier Sisi Ntombela in the Mangaung Municipality, which includes Bloemfontein, Thaba Nchu and Botshabelo, on 28 March 2020.

OFM News