By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) have launched an investigation into the shooting incident involving Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s official car.
The shooting occurred on the N12 highway while Mashatile was inside the vehicle from the African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Meeting (NEC) meeting in Boksburg.
According to City Press, the South African Police Service (Saps) and the Presidential Protection Unit (PPU) have launched a joint investigation into the shooting incident.
SAPS spokersperson Athlenda Mathe declined to comment but Mashatile’s spokesperson, Keith Khoza, confirmed the incident.
“All we know is that the car was hit [by gunfire] after leaving the NEC meeting. The issue is currently being handled by the [Saps] general responsible for presidential security services and the related arms of the police force,” Khoza said.
Khoza said, that the PPU did not return fire during the incident, as their priority was to ensure Mashatile’s immediate safety.
He added that there was confidence the police would get to the bottom of the shooting, but withheld further information so as not to compromise the investigation.
“We are waiting for the full report from the relevant people once the investigation is done so that we can know the motive and possibly the arrest of those who did it,” Khoza said.
This is not the first time Mashatile’s security detail has made headlines.
In 2023, members of his VIP protection team were involved in an incident that drew widespread condemnation.
Eight of his protection officers were filmed assaulting the occupants of a Blue Polo Vivo on the N1 Highway in Johannesburg.
They are facing multiple charges, including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, pointing a firearm, malicious damage to property, reckless driving and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
Their trial is one of several recent incidents involving police officers and allegations of abuse.
Mashatile’s security detail was also involved in another fracas in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, preventing a homeowner from entering his property. The confrontation was over the protection of Mashatile during his community visit.
Meanwhile Mashatile, led an ANC delegation to KwaSizabantu Mission in KwaMaphumulo in Kwazulu/Natal (KZN).
They laid wreaths at the grave of founder Erlo Stegen and joined the Easter Sunday service, honouring a legacy of faith, self-reliance, and reconciliation.