SAPS VIP Protection Unit members assigned to Deputy President Paul Mashatile have been temporarily removed from their posts pending investigations. The eight officers were caught on camera assaulting a motorist and two occupants on the N1 freeway near Fourways in Johannesburg. The video was widely shared on social media where the armed officers appear to be dragging the driver out of the car before assaulting him and his passengers, leaving him injured and unconscious.
The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola has announced that all eight members accused of the N1 assault have all been served with notices to suspend them. All 8 have been temporarily withdrawn from their posts pending the outcome of the investigation. pic.twitter.com/A886RfQkdP
— Athlenda Mathe (@AthlendaM) July 6, 2023
REMOVED FROM THEIR POSTS
National Police Commissioner General Fanie Masemola confirmed that the eight members have been served with suspension notices and temporarily removed from their posts pending investigations. "The members who were involved in the alleged assault have been identified and they are currently being subjected to the SAPS internal disciplinary processes. "We have also successfully traced and identified the victims and we can confirm that a case has been opened and is being investigated by IPID," Masemola said. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) confirmed that the victims of the assault are all military trainees.
NO EXCUSE FOR THE ASSAULT
Masemola said no amount of provocation can ever justify or validate what was witnessed in the video clip. "I want to reiterate that the SAPS does not condone such behaviour at any point," General Masemola said. He added that the SAPS pledged to offer their full cooperation to the IPID investigation while ensuring that their internal processes are not compromised in any manner. "The SAPS has clear instructions on the role of VIP Protectors whose mandate is to ensure that an integrated protection service is rendered to all individuals identified as VIPs. In executing their duties, close protection officers must at all times portray professionalism, discipline, politeness, enthusiasm, and high ethical conduct, at all times prioritising the safety of their principals," he said.
