Cape Town – Deputy President Paul Mashatile has downplayed the recent shooting incident involving his convoy, initially mistaking the sound of gunfire for stones hitting the vehicle.
It was only after his security detail inspected the bulletproof windscreen that they realised it had been struck by bullets.
Speaking during a visit to the KwaSizabantu Mission in KwaZulu-Natal, Mashatile confirmed that police are investigating the matter but emphasized that there is no need for public concern.
“Let’s focus on work,” he said, choosing not to speculate on the motive behind the attack, according to IOL.
Mashatile added, “You must have heard that the police are investigating. What happened is that as I was driving from the NEC, my car was hit by what initially I thought were stones. When we got home, the protectors said the impact was too much, and they wanted to take it for checking because you know a bulletproof windscreen is too strong to be damaged.”
‘Quite strong to be damaged’
According to The Citizen, Mashatile reassured the public, emphasising the strength of his vehicle’s bulletproof windscreen and his own security. “The bulletproof windscreen is quite strong to be damaged,” he said, adding, “I’m properly protected so [there’s] nothing to worry about.”
A recent revelation confirmed that 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 reported, 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 stated that the PPU did not return fire, prioritizing the deputy president’s safety.
‘Previous controversy’
“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,” Khoza said.
“The deputy president was not harmed in the incident, but this raised questions of who was responsible for the attack,” he added. He also mentioned that further details would be released after the investigation concludes.
This incident follows a 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.
