Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile waves during the welcome ceremony during Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s state visit to South Africa at the Union buildings in Pretoria on March 16, 2023. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP)
IPID confirms probe against VIP Protection unit in viral video
IPID investigators have reportedly been in contact with the victim’s families so that they can lay charges against the VIP Protection Unit.
Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile waves during the welcome ceremony during Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s state visit to South Africa at the Union buildings in Pretoria on March 16, 2023. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP)
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has confirmed that it is investigating allegations of assault against members of the VIP Protection Unit in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
This, after VIP Protection unit attached to Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s protection detail were captured assaulting a motorist on the N1 highway in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
IPID PROBING VIRAL VIP PROTECTION UNIT INCIDENT
IPID spokesperson Robbie Raburabu said the Executive Director received a complaint from Members of Parliament (MPs) Mr Whitfield and Mr Terreblanche regarding the incident of assault that happened on the N1 North within the precinct of Sandton Police Station.
Raburabu said IPID investigators have already been in contact with the family members of the victims so that they could be assisted in laying charges.
“Engagements are underway to also get the employers of the victims to assist with investigations. IPID has already engaged SAPS management who are offering their full cooperation as far as IPID investigation is concerned,” he said.
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MASHATILE CONDEMNS VIRAL INCIDENT
As previously reported by The South African, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has appealed to the public to allow the South African Police Service (SAPS) the necessary space to complete its investigation into a viral incident involving members of his VIP Protection unit incident and take whatever corrective action is deemed necessary.
Mashatile’s spokesperson Vukani Mde said the Deputy President abhors any unnecessary use of force, particularly against unarmed civilians.
“The Deputy President appeals to the public to allow the SAPS the necessary space to complete its investigation into the incident and take whatever corrective action is deemed necessary. The Deputy President has full confidence in the SAPS under the leadership of Minister Bheki Cele and the command of General Masemola to do the right thing in this regard,” Mde said.
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