Eight members of the SAPS VIP Protection Unit assigned to Deputy President Paul Mashatile have been suspended for allegedly assaulting three men over a week ago. The officers were caught on camera assaulting the motorist and two occupants who are all reported to be SANDF trainees on the N1 highway near Fourways in Johannesburg. In a video that was widely shared on social media, the armed officers appear to be dragging the driver out of the car before assaulting him and leaving him injured and unconscious. 

THE SUSPENSION

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that all eight police officers that were involved in the assault case have been suspended. " They have been suspended in terms of the SAPS disciplinary regulations as of Monday, 10 July 2023. The SAPS wishes not to discuss the matter further," Mathe said. Last week, National Police Commissioner General Fanie Masemola announced that the officers were temporarily removed from their posts pending investigations.

ASSAULT CONDEMNED

Masemola condemned the incident and said no amount of provocation can ever justify the assault. "I want to reiterate that the SAPS does not condone such behaviour at any point. As the SAPS we pledged to offer our full cooperation to the IPID investigation while ensuring that our internal processes are not compromised in any manner," Masemola said. Mashatile confirmed that he was aware of an unfortunate incident. "The deputy president abhors any unnecessary use of force, particularly against unarmed civilians, " his spokesperson Vukani Mde said. It has also been reported that the driver has instructed his lawyers to start the process of suing police Minister Bheki Cele for R1 million.