One of the eight VIP presidential protection police officers who allegedly assaulted the VW Polo driver early this month has told the court that Deputy President Paul Mashatile was part of the convoy when the incident happened. The eight officers were caught on camera assaulting motorists and passengers on the N1, near Fourways, in Johannesburg. The officer handed themselves over to the Sandton police and made their first court appearance earlier today. 

MASHATILE WAS PART OF THE CONVOY

The eight men all appeared with their faces covered citing security reasons. Shadrack Kojoana was the first accused to be cross-examined during their bail application hearing at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court today. Kojoana told the court that the Polo driver was driving at a high speed towards Mashatile’s car. This is contrary to what Mashatile’s communication team said days after the incident. In a statement, Mashatile spokesperson, Vukani Mde, said that the Deputy President was not in any of the vehicles when the N1 assault incident took place. Pressed for answers by state Prosecutor Elize Le Roux, Kojoana mistakenly revealed that the victim was actually driving his car at a high speed towards the vehicle which Mashatile was in.

MOTORIST WAS DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED

"The Polo driver tried to get in our way at high speed. It came from the back on the third lane, we were in the fastest lane, the Polo came approaching the main car which the number two (Deputy President) was in," he said. He said they were then alerted to check the car which was quickly approaching them."I was in the car that was protecting the Number Two Citizen, then we shielded our leader," he said. He said after trying to stop the car, the Polo driver refused to stop but they eventually managed to force him to stop. Kojoana went on to say that there were three people in the car and a female passenger is the one that opened the door for them as the rest of the men in the car were not cooperating. This led to Kojoana dragging one of the people who was inside, and out and pinning him on the floor, with his leg. "The second passenger who was a female voluntarily walked out. We then searched the car and found no weapons." He, however, denied assaulting any of the people in the car and said all they did was to take control of the situation. 

THE SUSPENSION

The eight officers, seven warrant officers and one sergeant, were suspended earlier this month. National Police Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the officers were suspended in terms of the SAPS’ disciplinary regulations. They are facing four counts of pointing a firearm; two counts of malicious damage to property, one count of reckless and negligent driving, three counts of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, one count of an attempt to defeat the administration of justice and assault by way of threats. The matter has been postponed to 26 July for bail application proceedings to continue. The state intends to oppose bail for all eight accused. The suspects have been remanded in custody.