By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA Police Services (SAPS) confirmed four of the eight VIP protection unit members linked to the N1 assault of members of the military have been suspended.
This follows a video depicting the vicious attack that went viral on social media.
It showed how more than six members of the VIP protection unit attached to deputy president Paul Mashatile assaulted three seemingly helpless and unarmed men. One of the assaulted men appeared to be left unconscious.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the officers will be given a chance to defend themselves before making a final decision.
“They must provide representations as to why they should not be suspended under the circumstances. Their representations will be considered, and the outcome will be communicated to them”.
“As management, we do not condone such behaviour regardless of the circumstances and no amount of provocation can lead to such behaviour and we are moving with speed to address this unacceptable behaviour”.
Mathe declined to comment on the status of the remaining four.
The police response comes hours after the victims told their side of the story in a statement shared with the South African National Defence Union (Sandu). One victim is affiliated with the union while all three are members of the South African National Defence Force.
Sandu national secretary JG Greeff said the victims were en route from Johannesburg to Pretoria when a black SUV appeared next to their vehicle, with one of the occupants allegedly pointing a firearm at the victims’ vehicle.
“The victims’ vehicle was subsequently boxed in by more SUVs and forced, in formation, to the left side of the N1 highway. The occupants of the SUVs exited their vehicles, surrounded the victims’ vehicle and attempted to smash the windscreen.
“When not successful, the assailants proceeded to smash the back window and assault the occupants,” Greeff said.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has confirmed an investigation into the matter.
David Bruce, an independent researcher on policing and an ISS consultant, said, “Whatever process is implemented, it would seem that on the basis of the evidence available, some of the officers would face a high risk of being found guilty of misconduct.
“One would like to think that, if found guilty, they would be dismissed, as this kind of behaviour is clearly not appropriate for someone who is a member of the SAPS. However, the SAPS frequently imposes very light sanctions on members who are found guilty of assault, and even assault [with intent to do] grievous bodily harm.”
He continued: “A further question relates to what is likely to be the role of Ipid. The SAPS might choose to ‘hand the matter over’ to Ipid, in which case Ipid will be responsible both for making recommendations on a disciplinary process and on possible criminal charges.