Latest news with #VIPProtectionUnit
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Acquittal of Mashatile's VIP officers 'miscarriage of justice'
The eight were part of Mashatile's security detail when they were caught on camera assaulting civilians on the N1 highway A screenshot of the video showing members of the VIP protection unit allegedly assaulting a motorist and his passengers on the N1 highway. Picture: Screengrab Democratic Alliance MP and chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, will write to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to seek clarity on why eight members of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's VIP Protection Unit were cleared of charges by the South African Police Service (Saps) during an internal disciplinary process. Though members of the VIP Protection Unit have reportedly been cleared during an internal disciplinary process, they are still facing legal proceedings in court. Shadrack Molekatlane Kojoana, Johannes Matome Mampuru, Posmo Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molefo Boshielo, Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize, Lesiba Aggrie Ramabu and Moses Fhatuwani are currently out of jail on R10 000 bail each. Charges The VIP officers are facing 12 legal charges, including pointing a firearm, reckless and negligent driving, malicious damage to property, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, obstruction of justice, and assault by way of threat. Cameron expressed shock at Saps's decision to clear the VIP officers of the charges through its internal disciplinary process. 'The acquittal of the members is not only a miscarriage of justice but also puts the name and image of the Saps [South African Police Service]into disrepute. Furthermore, this decision strengthens the public perception of Saps officers being and acting above the law. This decision lacks legal and moral justification and should be reconsidered. 'With the worsening trust deficit between the police and communities, such decisions will further erode the low levels of trust that exist between the police and the people,' Cameron said. ALSO READ: Mashatile's VIP protection officers acquitted of assault by police 'Rogue officers' Cameron said the ruling entrenches the long-held committee's view that internal disciplinary mechanisms within Saps are inadequate and rewards rogue officers. 'This decision will further cement the public's perception of a complete disregard of consequence management within the Saps. The case involving the eight members of Mashatile's VIP presidential protection is before the Randburg Magistrate's Court and will resume on 10 June. ALSO READ: 'They abused their powers'- Mashatile's VIP protectors granted R10K bail Investigation Cameron said he will write to Mchunu to demand an explanation on behalf of the nation and for the victims. 'The committee will, for its part, consider legislative reforms to end the abuse of internal processes in Saps and to limit the obstructive role of unions in misconduct cases. 'We cannot accept a Saps that protects thugs in uniform. We will not sit silently while the rule of law is trampled upon behind closed doors,' Cameron said. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told The Citizen the National Police Commissioner will 'study the chairperson's report and consult legal services'. The eight were part of Mashatile's security detail when they were caught on camera assaulting civilians on the N1 highway near Olivedale in Johannesburg in July 2023. NOW READ: Police probe bomb threat at Al-Azhar Masjied in District Six
The Citizen
06-05-2025
- The Citizen
Mashatile VIP protection officers acquitted of assault by police
The suspects are facing 12 charges, including pointing a firearm. Eight VIP Protection Unit members appear at the Randburg Magistrate's Court on 9 November. Picture: Twitter / @tndaba The eight South African Police Service (Saps) members of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's VIP presidential protection unit have reportedly been acquitted by the police. Shadrack Molekatlane Kojoana, Johannes Matome Mampuru, Posmo Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molefo Boshielo, Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize, Lesiba Aggrie Ramabu and Moses Fhatuwani are currently out on R10 000 bail each. Charges dropped The suspects are facing 12 charges, including pointing a firearm; reckless and negligent driving; malicious damage to property; assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm (Assault GBH); obstruction of justice; and assault by way of threat. In a post on X, DA MP and chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, said the police cleared the officers of the charges against them. 'Do you remember these thugs that, embarrassingly, are part of the presidential protection services in the SA Police Service? 'The Saps has officially acquitted all eight VIP protection unit officers who were filmed assaulting civilians on the N1 in 2023. This is the final insult to victims — and a warning to the public: police brutality will be protected behind closed doors,' Cameron said on X. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told The Citizen: 'The National Commissioner will study the chairperson's report and consult legal services.' Do you remember these thugs that, embarrassingly, are part of the Presidential Protection Services in the @SAPoliceService ? 🧵 THREAD: SAPS acquits #BlueLightMafia Eight — a national disgrace. 1/ The SAPS has officially acquitted ALL 8 VIP Protection Unit officers who were… — Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) May 6, 2025 ALSO READ: 'They abused their powers'- Mashatile's VIP protectors granted R10K bail Court case The case involving the eight members of Mashatile's VIP presidential protection resumed in the Randburg Magistrates Court in February. The last victim, who was the only woman in the vehicle when they were allegedly assaulted, told the court that she feared for her life when the accused pointed R5 rifles at them. 'I did not see the convoy. In fact, the only time I noticed these cars was when they were ordering us to stop with guns pointed at us.' She further said there was no hesitation on their end, as they stopped immediately. 'I do not know what the presidential convoy looks like. But the accused did not ask questions; when they appeared to us, the guns were already out.' The case has been postponed to June 10 for other witnesses to testify. This is what these thugs got away with after being acquitted of disciplinary charges. We must asked whether this is @SAPoliceService VIP Protection or State-Sanctioned Violence? #BlueLightMafia — Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) May 6, 2025 Assault The eight were part of Mashatile's security when they were caught on camera assaulting civilians on the N1 highway near Olivedale in Johannesburg in July 2023. The widely circulated video on social media showed the VIP police officers – brandishing rifles and pistols – jumping out of a BMW X5 and attacking the occupants of a VW Polo. The eight men returned to work in October last year after the finalisation of the disciplinary process against the officers. 'In line with the Saps disciplinary regulations, suspension is for 60 days; thereafter, the suspension is automatically lifted if the internal process is still underway,' Mathe said at the time. Mathe pointed out that the VIP protection members were confined to the office and were not operational. ALSO READ: Mashatile VIP protection officers: Media banned from reporting on assault trial
