08-05-2025
Action Society angered by internal inquiry clearing VIP cops
Civil rights watchdog Action Society wants a review of the police's internal accountability processes after eight VIP protection unit officers were cleared of wrongdoing in a disciplinary hearing concluded earlier this week.
The officers, filmed in an altercation with civilians on the N1 highway in July 2023, were members of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's protection detail.
Ulrich Roux, legal representative for three of the civilians, told CapeTalk his clients are disappointed with the outcome but have not been deterred from pursuing criminal and civil charges.
'The onus of proof is completely different in a criminal matter as well as in civil litigation in the high court,' he said.
Lesiba Thobakgale, spokesperson for the SA Police Union which represented the officers in the internal process, told radio presenter Lester Kiewit they were subjected to the correct disciplinary process, and the chairperson acquitted them after hearing all the information. He said it would be unfair for public pressure to determine the outcome of internal processes.
