A trial date has been set for the matter against Deputy President Paul Mashatile's VIP protection team. The eight appeared at the Randburg Magistrates Court today for assaulting a motorist on N1 in Johannesburg in July. The assault was exposed when another motorist shared video footage of the accused assaulting the victims went viral on social media drawing attention, which led to their arrest.

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 are facing charges including several counts of assault, damage to property and pointing of a firearmand traffic infringement. The eight were granted R10 000 bail each and have since gone back to work and are on desk duty, after being suspended.

After a six-week postponement, the state has finalised its investigation into the assault case and is ready to proceed. "I can place on record that the investigation is now complete, and the state is in a position to propose a date for trial," said State Prosecutor Advocate Elize le Roux.

The magistrate presiding over the matter, Hlengiwe Mkhabisi, said the eight accused had abused their position of power when they allegedly assaulted the victims. "They abused their powers, they misused police resources in a country wherein our communities are not receiving the proper police service. It is disheartening that the people we are supposed to depend on, have assumed the role of rogue police officials," said Mkhabisi during their bail application. The trial is expected to start on 6 May 2024