Mashatile’s convoy sprayed with bullets on N12 after ANC meeting — report

Mashatile

Cape Town – A recent revelation has confirmed that Deputy President Paul Mashatile narrowly escaped harm after his convoy was fired upon while en route from an ANC NEC meeting in Boksburg, Gauteng — an incident that remained concealed from the public for nearly three weeks.

Bullets struck his official vehicle three times on the N12 highway, though Mashatile was unharmed, The Citizen said in a report, citing Times Live.

A joint investigation by the South African Police Service and the Presidential Protection Unit is underway.

Mashatile’s spokesperson, Keith Khoza, confirmed the incident and said the PPU did not return fire, prioritising the deputy president’s safety.

“All we know is that the car was hit [by gunfire] after leaving the NEC meeting. The issue is currently being handled by the [Saps] general responsible for presidential security services and the related arms of the police force,” the report quoted him as saying.

According to IOL, Khoza said: “The deputy president was not harmed in the incident but this raised questions of who was responsible for the attack,” Khoza said.

He added that further details would be released after the investigation concludes.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe declined to comment on the incident, saying that the police do not publicly discuss security matters involving the President, Deputy President, or cabinet members.

This incident follows previous controversy involving Mashatile’s VIP protection team, who were filmed in 2023 assaulting civilians on the N1 highway.

Eight officers involved in that case are currently on trial for various charges, including assault and reckless driving, though they have since returned to work.

Article written by