By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
National Police Commissioner, General Fanie Masemola, has confirmed that eight members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) implicated in the video which shows the assault of three civilians on the Gauteng highway, have been issued with suspension notices.
“Once we were alerted of the incident, we moved with speed and launched a probe to identify both the victims and our members, as well as to establish the circumstances that surround that incident,” he said during a media briefing at the Vanderbijlpark police station.
“I can now confirm that those members have been identified and are currently being subjected to our internal processes, in line with our Discipline Regulations of 2016, and Labour Relations prescripts.
“Thus far, eight members have been issued with suspension notices and temporarily removed from their posts pending the outcome of our investigation.”
Masemola added that the victims had also been traced and that a criminal case had been opened.
He reiterated that the South African Police Service did not condone the behaviour displayed by the VIP Unit members.
The media briefing was called to update the nation on key policing matters. The briefing also focused on successes achieved by the SAPS’s nationwide high density operations.
“We generally follow a very stringent process to identify members that should be protecting our principals, so for those members to have conducted themselves in such a manner, is quite concerning.
“We pledge to offer our full cooperation to the IPID investigation, at the same time ensuring that our internal processes are not compromised in any manner,” Masemola said.
Masemola explained that SAPS has clear instructions on the role of VIP Protectors whose mandate is to ensure that an integrated protection service is rendered to all individuals identified as VIP’s.
“The protection of VIP’s is provided for in terms of the policy on protection packages.
“The policy is in accordance with 2014 Cabinet memorandum. In executing their duties, close protection officers must at all times portray professionalism, discipline, politeness, enthusiasm, and high ethical conduct, at all times prioritising the safety of their principals,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy President Paul Mashatile whom the implicated police officers are said to be his protectors also condemned the incident.
“Members of the SAPS are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner,” said Mashatile.
Masemola said in terms of Regulation 176 and 185 of the National Road Traffic Regulations of 2000, any member of the service can use blue lights and sirens if necessary in order to execute his/her duties.
“Therefore, when members are on convoy, they are permitted to use blue lights. This should be done taking into account the safety of other road users.
“A police official may exceed the general speed limit with or without the use of a blue flashing light, provided that he/she drives the vehicle in the execution of duties necessitating this and with due regard and careful consideration of the safety of other road users,” he said.
Action Society’s Ian Cameron meanwhile said that a charge of attempted murder should also be investigated. According to Cameron, Ipid filed only one charge after interviewing one of the victims, L’vaughn Fisher. The video capturing the assault shows how members of the unit kicked Fisher in the head before leaving him unconscious next to the road.
In a statement on Wednesday,Action Society said it would assist Fisher with criminal and possibly civil charges against the officers.
“Fisher had to receive further medical attention today. He still has pain and is finding it difficult to open his swollen jaw. He has various bruises where he was kicked on his head and in his face,” read the statement.
To “rectify” the incident, Masemola said he had directed the divisional commissioner of protection and security services, including the human resources development, to identify areas to “retrain” and “talk” to members of protection services.
Masemola also called on members of the public to direct complaints against a close protection officer to the SAPS Complaints Directorate on 0800 3331 77.