The eight police officers who are attached to Deputy President Paul Mashatile's protection service have argued that the State has a weak case against them. This came out during a bail hearing at Randburg Magistrates' Court today. The officers were arrested on Sunday evening after they handed themselves over after being captured on video brutally assaulting three men on the N1 Highway in Johannesburg. 

All the eight accused, who covered their faces again in their second appearance, have submitted bail applications and tomorrow morning the magistrates will watch the video to identify which of the accused are charged with what case. The lawyer representing accused two to four, Fani Kapini, said his clients should be released because the investigations are ongoing. "The sender or the identity of the video has not been established up to now, it is still being investigated, therefore they cannot be kept under custody for the matter that is still being investigated," he said.

He said the case was schedule one meaning it was not strong enough to keep the suspects behind bars. Legal representative for accused four to eight, Xabiso Soshangana said there was no need for his clients to remain in custody because they will not interfere with the case or witnesses. The first accused submitted bail on the first appearance on Monday. The group faces 12 charges, including assault, malicious damage to property, discharging a firearm, contravening the Road Traffic Act, reckless and negligent driving, and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.The case has been adjourned to tomorrow for the conclusion of their bail application.