The eight police officers, who are part of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s VIP Protection Unit, have been granted R10 000 bail each by the Randburg Magistrates’ Court today. They handed themselves over to Sandton Police Station after being captured on video, brutally assaulting three men on the N1 Highway in Johannesburg.

ARREST PREMATURE

Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe said the state arrested them prematurely and it would be a travesty to justice if she refused them bail. She, however, acknowledged that the fact that they refused to detail in full what really transpired on the day they assaulted the victims, it’s clear they understand they abused their power. "The police still have to trace the witness and consult with the witness who has indicated that he or she is fearful to come forward. As I stated earlier that this matter was placed prematurely on the roll. I have no doubt if the state conducts a thorough investigation, a conviction might ensure in the end," the magistrate said. "It would be a travesty to justice if I refused them bail. The applicants’ addresses have been verified by the investigating officer," she said.

WEAK CASE

Mkhasibe said the state had presented a weak case against the accused. "There is no evidence that the applicants threatened or intimidated the witnesses and clearly the State can only speculate that the probability is that they will threaten or intimidate the witness," she said. The accused Shadrack Molekatlane Kojana, Johannes Matome Mampuru, Pomso Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molefo Boshielo, Churchill Mpakameseni Mkhize, Lesibana Aggrie Rambau, and Moses Fhatuwani Tshidada, spent eight nights in custody and they have since been suspended. They face 12 charges including assault, malicious damage to property, and pointing of a firearm. The matter has been postponed to September 27, for further investigation.