Four members of the VIP Protection Unit, responsible for the security of high-ranking officials in South Africa, have been suspended after a disturbing video surfaced showing them assaulting a motorist on Gauteng’s N1 highway, near Fourways. Two additional police officers involved in the incident are also facing suspension.
VIP Protection unit suspended: Here’s everything we know
The video captured the harrowing moment when two men were forcefully dragged out of their vehicle and subjected to a vicious assault by police officers.
In the footage, one man lies motionless on the asphalt while his attackers kick him, while the other tries to shield himself from the blows.
After the assault, the officers quickly retreat to their black BMWs and leave the victims on the ground, with one struggling to get up and the other remaining motionless.
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Here’s what led to the N1 Fourways assault, according to Mashatile’s men
The police officers involved were reportedly part of the security detail of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, although Mashatile himself stated that he was not present in the convoy at the time of the incident.
According to reports, the officers claimed that the motorist had been following Mashatile’s convoy for an extended period and attempted to get closer to his vehicle, which allegedly prompted their aggressive response.
In response to the incident, the officers have been relieved of their duties and will face an internal investigation.
The suspensions come after the Independent Investigative Directorate (IPID) confirmed that it is conducting a probe into the Presidential Protection Services, which includes the VIP Protection Unit.
The unit received a budget of R1.9 billion this year, considerably more than the allocation received by the Hawks, the unit responsible for investigating high-level corruption.
The budget discrepancy between VIP protection and anti-corruption efforts has been a topic of concern. Critics argue that prioritizing the protection of politicians over combating corruption raises questions about the allocation of resources within the police force.
The Hawks, tasked with conducting complex investigations and prosecuting cases of corruption, have been operating with limited resources, hampering their ability to fulfil their mandate effectively.
Opposition parties have called for accountability and swift action against the officers involved in the assault and have expressed broader concerns about the behaviour of the blue light brigades, which include VIP protection units.
The public is awaiting the outcome of the investigation, with expectations that justice will be served promptly and unequivocally.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has condemned the use of excessive force and called on the public to allow the South African Police Service (SAPS) to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
He expressed confidence in the leadership of Minister Bheki Cele and General Masemola to address the matter appropriately.
