Investigation Launched into Alleged Assault by VIP Protection Unit on Man “Blocking” Road

Pretoria, July 3, 2023 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has initiated an investigation into an alleged assault involving members of a VIP protection unit. The incident reportedly occurred when a man was blocking the road, leading to a confrontation with the police officers.

According to witness accounts and circulating video footage, the man was seen obstructing the road, prompting the police officers to confront him.

The situation escalated, resulting in an alleged assault by the officers belonging to the VIP protection unit.

This is what happens when tax money is wasted on the armed wing of the ruling party. These SAPS VIP ‘protectors’ are nothing but low life criminals. They should be named, shamed and locked away. Charge them @SAPoliceService your silence is deafening!!! https://t.co/h5e84ih263 pic.twitter.com/GN5VUp2ckw

— Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) July 3, 2023

SAPS management has taken immediate action to trace the victims and obtain their statements, while an internal departmental inquiry is underway.

These are apparently VIP protection cops…happened in JHB. pic.twitter.com/fgSNNpyK7s

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) July 3, 2023

Preliminary findings indicate that the vehicles shown in the video belong to the SAPS, and the individuals involved in the incident are indeed SAPS members.

The conduct displayed in the video is in direct contradiction to the values and code of conduct of the SAPS, which emphasizes integrity, professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights.

We can sue them….let them contact us…..we cam get them jailed to serve time…let them DM us…we fear fokol https://t.co/shszB3bBrW

— Gardee Godrich Attorneys (@GardeeAttorneys) July 3, 2023

General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of the SAPS, has strongly condemned the behavior exhibited by these members.

He emphasized that SAPS members are entrusted with upholding and safeguarding the fundamental rights of every individual, and exercising their powers responsibly and with restraint. Such actions, regardless of the circumstances, cannot be tolerated.

As part of the investigation, the SAPS encourages the victims of the alleged assault, who were inside a Blue VW Polo with registration number NKR31822, to come forward and assist in tracking and identifying the members of the VIP protection unit involved.

The SAPS has designated Brigadier Athlenda Mathe as the point of contact for the victims, and they are encouraged to reach out to her at 0820408808 for investigative purposes.

South Africa is on its way to become Zimbabwe . Me sitting on terraces watching. Very soon we shall have them our SA brothers and sisters in Kalingalinga and Garden Compound. We will welcome them…One Zambia/One Africa.

— Cris (@CeeMulengah) July 3, 2023

2024 vote out ANC mfs pic.twitter.com/l76feT2aEA

— Ntokozo….. (@ntokozo_eff) July 3, 2023

Many social media users are demanding that the individuals involved in the assault be arrested and held accountable for their actions. There is a growing sentiment that such acts of brutality should not go unpunished.