POLOKWANE – Hearing a plane fly over Polokwane is not something you hear every day but over the last few weeks, residents have heard fighter jets flying over the city at certain times of the day and night.

This has left many speculating over why the planes fly so often with many stating that they fly so low, that their homes or buildings are rattled while residents in Soetdorings say their electricity is affected every time the jets fly past the area.

While some suggested the planes might be practising for an airshow, others stated that they’re practising flying over air spaces they usually don’t fly in. These however, are unconfirmed reports.

The Polokwane Observer contacted the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for more clarity on the matter and Colonel Selinah Rawlins, the acting director for defence corporate communication, says the increased air activity involving three Hawk MK 120’s is part of planned SANDF activity.

“This is part of normal force preparation activities which are necessary to ensure the required competencies of the aircrew is maintained and continuously enhanced,” she said.

The Hawk MK 120, which can reach speeds of up to 1 038 km/h, is used for training purposes and pilots have to fly them for around 430 hours and pass several courses before graduating to the Saab Gripen. It has been in service since 2006.

Questions on whether the jets are testing deployment capabilities, if there are other aircraft involved and a time frame for the activity were unanswered.