By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile avoided answering questions linked to the eight South African Police Service (Saps) members of his VIP presidential protection unit.
Mashatile was in the National Assembly to answer questions.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party Deputy President John Hlope asked Mashatile what he thinks of the outcome of a police disciplinary process that found eight members of the VIP Unit of SAPS not guilty of assault.
The incident occurred on the N1 highway near Sandton, Johannesburg, in June 2023.
The internal disciplinary inquiry led by the police cleared Mashatile’s protectors despite video evidence showing them physically assaulting the motorist.
“I have not met with the victim because the matter is sub judice,” Mashatile said.
“The protectors are still due to appear in court again. Any engagements with any of the parties to the case could be prejudicial to them. Let’s allow the courts to complete their work,” he added.
The deputy president said he had full confidence in South Africa’s justice system as a whole and welcomed the outcome of the police disciplinary inquiry that acquitted the eight members.
“My approach is that we should allow the process to conclude. Obviously, justice must be done… That judgement will help us to build a way forward,” Mashatile said.
Another MPs objected to him avoiding questions and hiding behind the matter being sub judice.
Annelie Lotriet, deputy speaker of the National Assembly, came to Mashatile’s rescue.
“We have made rulings before in the house that the presiding officers cannot adjudicate whether a question has been fully answered or not, so we will proceed on that basis,” Lotriet said.
The eight accused are Shadrack Molekatlane Kojana, Johannes Matome Mampuru, Posmo Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molefo Boshielo, Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize, Lesiba Aggrie Ramabu, and Moses Fhatuwani.
They face charges including pointing a firearm, malicious damage to property, reckless and negligent driving, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, attempting to defeat the administration of justice, and assault by threats.
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtesy of Parliament.