Cape Town – Members of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s protection detail have been confirmed to be involved in the assault of three individuals on the N1 in Fourways, Johannesburg according to his office.
The officers were caught on camera attacking the civilians.
Mashatile’s office confirmed on Tuesday that the VIP Protection Unit officers involved in the N1 assault work with him.
These are apparently VIP protection cops…happened in JHB. pic.twitter.com/fgSNNpyK7s
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) July 3, 2023
“The deputy president has become aware of an unfortunate incident involving members of the South African Service (SAPS) who are attached to his protection detail and civilians, which occurred in Johannesburg over the weekend.
“The deputy president abhors any unnecessary use of force, particularly against unarmed civilians. The National Commissioner of the SAPS General Masemola has promised a thorough investigation of the incident and articulated the conduct of police officers very well.
“… The deputy president appeals to the public to allow the SAPS the necessary space to cpmplete its investigation into the incident and take whatever corrective action is deemed necessary. The deputy president has full confidence in the SAPS under the leadership of Minister Bheki Cele and the command of General Masemola to do the right thing in. this regard,” Mashatile’s office said in a statement.
JUST IN #VIPProtection
The spokesperson for Deputy President Paul Mashatile confirms it was the DP’s security detail that was involved in the weekend assault of the motorists.
‘The DP abhors any unnecessary use of force, particularly against unarmed civilians’#sabcnews pic.twitter.com/R0LNH9Cyez
— Chriselda Zozi Lewis (Babes Wendaba) (@Chriseldalewis) July 4, 2023
A video, which went viral on social media, showed a group of armed men who were travelling in a convoy, assaulting the occupants of a blue Polo.
The officers then return to their vehicles and drive away, leaving the driver motionless on the ground.
A woman filming the incident expresses concern for the victims’ safety.
The Democratic Alliance MP Andrew Whitfield has vowed to ensure the officers responsible are brought to justice.
“I will do everything in my power to ensure that these Blue Light Bullies are brought to book. I have already engaged the Executive Director of IPID and will be demanding that Minister Cele ensure SAPS arrest these thugs within 24 hours,” Whitfield tweeted.
Police National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola condemned the officers’ behaviour, emphasising that law enforcement should protect citizens’ rights and exercise their powers responsibly.
“Members of the SAPS are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner, ” Masemopla said.
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Picture: Twitter/ @LudidiVelani
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
