Four of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's VIP protectors have been served with suspension letters following an N1 assault incident that was on the trends list on Monday. The officers who were armed and driving in two BMW X5s were caught on camera assaulting a motorist and two passengers. In the video that was widely shared on Monday, the officers can be seen dragging the motorist out of the car before assaulting him and his passengers. The man was later left lying on the ground unconscious.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe had said that the perpetrators would face internal processes. Their suspension was announced their suspension this morning. "In terms of the disciplinary regulations they have been served with notices of the employer's intention to suspend. They must provide representations why they should not be suspended under the circumstances. The representation will be considered and the outcome will be communicated to them," Mathe said. She added that ss management, they do not condone such behaviour regardless of the circumstances and that no provocation can lead to such behaviour. " We are moving with speed to address this unacceptable behaviour," said Mathe.

 On Tuesday, Mashatile condemned the conduct of members of his VIP protection unit for assaulting the three men and said he was not on the scene during the assault. In a statement on Tuesday, Mashatile spokesperson Vukani Mde said the deputy president was aware of an unfortunate incident. "The deputy president abhors any unnecessary use of force, particularly against unarmed civilians. Police commissioner General Fannie Masemola has promised a thorough investigation of the incident and articulated the conduct expected of police officers very well,' Mde said. Mashatile also appealed to the public to allow the SAPS the necessary space to complete its investigation into the incident and take whatever corrective action is deemed necessary.