SAPS VIP Protection unit assaulting a motorist
Image: Screenshot via Twitter @NobleAfricanSon
Scandalous VIP Protection linked to Paul Mashatile
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has found himself on the wrong side of the spotlight once again.
SAPS VIP Protection unit assaulting a motorist
Image: Screenshot via Twitter @NobleAfricanSon
It seems as though it is scandal after scandal for South Africa’s second citizen, who has found his name implicated in yet another unsavoury incident. The incident in question has been trending all over social media showing VIP Protection officials being violent with road users in what many have since described as an abuse of power.
Following the controversial incident, it was later revealed that the officials were indeed a part of Mashatile’s protection, prompting his office to release a statement condemning the issue.
In the statement, his office implies that Mashatile was unaware of the incident that took place over the weekend and has only recently become aware, adding that he “abhors any unnecessary use of force, particularly against unarmed civilians”.
ALSO READ: VIP Protection unit who assaulted motorist identified as Mashatile’s
WHERE WAS MASHATILE?
With Mashatile being made aware of the incident following the controversy, this prompts the question, where was he?
We reached out to his spokesperson, Vukani Mde who expressed that Mashatile was not in any of the vehicles that are seen in the widely circulated video, adding that he was only made aware of what had happened today.
Nonetheless, Mashatile has echoed the sentiments of the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, emphasising the mandate of SAPS members to “uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person”.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: SAPS trace victims assaulted by VIP Protection unit
COULD THIS HAVE AN IMPACT ON MASHATILE’S CHANCES TO BE PRESIDENT IN 2024?
The situation has left many angry, with some members of the public throwing shade at the Deputy President who has since coined the name “Alex Mafia”.
Some have even called for him to step down as the Deputy President of the country.
With this being his second incident in the public light recently, with his first seeing allegations of him being linked to state capture, things are not looking good for Mashatile.
It is no secret that he intends on being President of South Africa in 2024, but could his failure to stay away from bad publicity be his political demise?
ALSO READ: WATCH: SAPS VIP Protection members assault motorist in Joburg
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