Action Society slams delay in Mashatile VIP Protection assault case as an ‘evasion of justice’

The case involving Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s VIP protection unit has been postponed yet again — after the presiding magistrate fell ill.

On Thursday, the Randburg Magistrates’ Court was expected to deliver judgment on a Section 174 application brought by eight police officers accused of assaulting the occupants of a VW Polo in July 2023.

The officers, who served in Mashatile’s protection detail, are seeking to have the case dismissed, arguing that the State failed to present sufficient evidence against them.

The case stems from a viral video that shocked the nation, showing armed officers dragging and assaulting trainee soldiers in broad daylight along the N1 highway.

The eight officers — Shadrack Kojoana, Johannes Mampuru, Posmo Mofokeng, Harmans Ramokhonami, Phineas Boshielo, Churchill Mkhize, Lesiba Ramabu, and Moses Fhatuwani — argue that the case should be dismissed due to lack of evidence. Despite public outrage, they were reinstated to non-operational duties in October 2023 after their suspension expired.

Earlier this year, Deputy President Mashatile told Parliament he has not met any of the victims attacked by his former bodyguards.

All eight officers remain out on R10,000 bail each and have pleaded not guilty. They face 12 charges, including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property, reckless driving, and obstruction of justice.

Action Society has criticised the postponement, calling it a deliberate attempt to delay justice. The organisation says it had hoped for progress and for the victims to finally find closure.

Spokesperson Juanita du Preez rejected the officers’ application, expressing confidence it will fail.

“We hope that we do have judgement very quickly in this application and we do hope that it is not successful, the court case can proceed to the real judgement and that justice will prevail because nobody should have the power to do what these police officers did to the victims. It’s unacceptable, it is not what we as South Africans want on the road, the police should protect us and we should not be afraid of the police,” she said.

Du Preez also questioned SAPS’ internal disciplinary committee for reinstating the officers, noting the committee doubted the authenticity of the video footage — even though it had been verified and accepted by the court.

The National Prosecuting Authority is also opposing the Section 174 application.

They’re expected back in court on 6 November 2025.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe