According to witnesses and his family, the Collins Khoza died after soldiers assaulted him for drinking alcohol inside a yard with his friend, Thabiso Muvhango.

Accusing the two men of having violated the COVID-19-related national lockdown, the three soldiers allegedly raided Thabiso Muvhango’s home at Far East Bank after noticing a camp chair and a half-full cup of alcohol in the yard.

SANDF spokesperson, Colonel Louis Kirstein, confirmed that the matter is under investigation at the Alexandra SAPS. "The SANDF will cooperate with the ongoing police investigation. The SANDF reiterates that its members are expected to act within the confines of the law during this difficult period as they enforce the lockdown regulations and help save lives in support of the police.

Any action outside the law will not be condoned," Kirstein said. Collins Khoza’s death has brought to nine the number of people allegedly killed by the police and soldiers during the national lockdown announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa last month.