The shocking incident involving the assault of a motorist and his two passengers by Deputy Minister Paul Mashatile’s VIP Protection Unit on the N1 highway near Fourways, Johannesburg, has triggered widespread condemnation and raised concerns about police brutality.
L’vaughn Fisher: VIP Protection Unit victims wants R1m in damages
As investigations continue, the victims are preparing to take legal action against the South African Police Services (Saps) for damages amounting to R1 million, per The Citizen.
In a viral video capturing the assault, the armed officers from the blue light brigade can be seen forcefully dragging three individuals from a blue VW Polo and subjecting them to a series of violent kicks while they lie defenceless on the road.
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The victims have been identified as members of the South African Defence Force (SANDF) undergoing military police training, en route to the Thaba Tshwane military base in Pretoria.
L’vaughn Fisher, the 25-year-old infantryman who was driving the vehicle, has filed a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm at the Sandton Police Station.
The incident left him severely injured, both physically and psychologically. Fisher’s lawyer, Daniel Eloff, has initiated the legal process against Police Minister Bheki Cele and the SAPS, seeking compensation of R1 million for the trauma endured by his client.
Eloff explained that the initial claim is based on the extensive psychological and physical trauma Fisher suffered during the assault. The amount may be adjusted as more medical reports are obtained to accurately assess the impact on Fisher’s well-being.
The SAPS has been served with a notice of intent to sue, which allows them 60 days to respond before a formal summons can be issued.
Confident in their case, Eloff expressed optimism about the evidence and witnesses supporting Fisher’s claims, emphasizing the thuggish and unlawful behaviour displayed by the members of the Saps VIP Unit.
Ulrich Roux, representing the other assault victims, echoed this sentiment and confirmed that none of the officers involved have been formally charged at this stage.