South Africa
Alleged police brutality: Members of VIP Protection Services in court─── TSHEHLA KOTELI 09:11 Mon, 24 Jul 2023
Eight members of the VIP Protection Services are set to appear before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday (24/7) for assaulting unarmed people in Fourways, Gauteng.
According to the national spokesperson for the Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID), Robbie Raburabu, the eight were held at the Sandton Police Station from Sunday (23/7) prior to their appearance. “On Sunday, IPID investigators processed these members of the VIP Protection Services at the Sandton Police Station following authorisation by the Director of Public Prosecution.”
Also read: ‘Police brutality must come to an end’ – DA
The DA has since embarked on a campaign against police brutality. The DA’s Andrew Whitfield said although they welcome the suspension of the VIP officers and the fact that they have been charged with assault, among other charges, more still needs to be done. “The DA has been at the forefront in the fight against police brutality since the lockdown of 2020 when hundreds of incidents of police abuse were reported to the DA,” he added.
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Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the VIP officers, believed to be Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s bodyguards, would be allowed to defend themselves before a final decision is made. "They should make representations as to why they should not be suspended under the circumstances. Their representations will be considered and the outcome will be communicated to them. As management, we do not condone such behaviour, regardless of the circumstances. No provocation can lead to such behaviour, and we are moving slowly to address this unacceptable behaviour."
Speaking at a briefing on the outcomes of the ANC's national working committee meeting on Wednesday, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the incident embarrassed the entire police service. "The ANC was extremely upset by the news of the road rage incident involving members of the SAPS, who were appointed to protect the deputy president. This was not only cowardly but contrary to what the SAPS stands for, namely to protect all members of society. "We call on IPID to investigate this incident as a matter of urgency."
