Paul Mashatile’s spokesperson, Vukani Mde, has confirmed that the Deputy President was not in any of the vehicles when the N1 assault incident took place.
Mashatile has confirmed that the SAPS members seen assaulting civilians on the N1 near Fourways are attached to his protection detail.
The Deputy President has condemned the use of force against unarmed citizens.
“Members of the SAPS are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner,” said Mashatile.
He says he is confident that SAPS will get to the bottom of this incident.
Watch the incident below:
Opposition parties are calling for decisive action against the officers involved.
DA leader, John Steenhuisen, says government’s VIP protection units should not be allowed to abuse their power.
He, however, says this is a true representation of what the ANC thinks of citizens in this country.
Meanwhile, ActionSA leader, Herman Mashaba, says Mashatile’s admission that it was his VIP protection unit that was involved leaves much to be desired.
“ActionSA will not allow the Deputy President to get away with being a mafia-style leader who rules with brute force.
“ActionSA asserts that Mashatile’s long history of dubious conduct cultivated an environment fertile for his VIP protectors to act like jackbooted thugs,” says Mashaba.
Leader of Build One South Africa, Mmusi Maimane, says VIP protection units have become a menace to society while protecting people that are stealing from society.
Maimane says the deputy president must personally pay for the medical expenses of the victims.
“In addition, we call for the suspension of the VIP officers involved without pay, Full disclosure of their identities and a comprehensive audit into the training protocols of VIP units.”
Meanwhile the police union, SAPU, says while they condemn the violence depicted in the video footage, authorities should be given space to investigate the matter.
Police watchdog, IPID, has confirmed that they are investigating the matter and have been in contact with the family members of the victims to assist with laying charges.
The incident has sparked much public outcry.
Below is what some people had to say on social media:
Why are the #VIPProtection officers facing “internal processes” and not be charged with assault with the intention to cause grivious bodily harm? This special treatment is what makes this country to have NO JUSTICE! pic.twitter.com/DCGo0hwWrS
— Mduduzi L’Duga Msiza (@KingKadesi) July 4, 2023
Paul Mashatile #VIPProtection is the one that assaulted civilians..
Question is, was Paul Mashatile present(in the car) when this happened?
— .🇿🇦🇮🇱🇿🇦🇮🇱🇿🇦🇮🇱🇿🇦🇮🇱🇿🇦🇮🇱 (@NkosinatiMagwa) July 4, 2023
We wouldn’t have known about #VIPProtection behaviour if it wasn’t of the person who took the video.
Thank you for exposing this unsettling and disgusting behaviour by SAPS members.
VIP Protection Paul Mashatile Xoli Malema pic.twitter.com/yF1lT0D2r2
— Malik El-Shabazz® 🇿🇦 🇷🇺 🇨🇳 (@NobleAfricanSon) July 4, 2023
Deputy president Paul Mashatile must pay the victims to compensate them for damages caused by his VIP protection.
— Ashley (@Asharraa) July 4, 2023
Paul Mashatile must step down….how could he allow his hooligans criminals to do this to civilians….we can't be having leaders who behave like dictators and animals…. #VIPProtection
Look at that poor girl watching her father being beaten….what's wrong with this country pic.twitter.com/FQWMWS7fAQ
— Lerato (@Lerato_Q) July 4, 2023
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