By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African Police Service (Saps) VIP Protection Unit members, who assaulted civilians on a highway in Johannesburg, will be formally charged.
The bodyguards were attached to the security detail of Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
They are set to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
They were served with letters of suspension shortly after footage emerged of a group of heavily-armed officers dragging and repeatedly kicking three people on the N1 in Johannesburg.
The victims were confirmed to be military trainees.
“Members of the VIP security will be processed tonight at the Sandton police station in preparation for them appearing at the Randburg Magistrates court tomorrow morning,” said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate’s spokesperson Robbie Raburabu.
“The arrangements have been made with them and their legal representatives to present themselves at the station. They are facing charges of assault, GBH, malicious damage to property and pointing of a firearm.”
Mashatile said he abhorred the unnecessary use of force, particularly against unarmed civilians by the VIP Protection officers.
Earlier this month, the Automobile Associations (AA) warned the vicious assault by the protection unit members again raised concerns over the threat the unit poses to motorists in the country.
AA CEO Willem Groenewald said the incident was “outrageous and deplorable”.
“In early 2022 we noted our deep concerns about the so-called blue light brigades and the threat they pose to road users.
“They are aggressive towards other drivers, often pushing them off the road to ensure their convoy has easy passage – many times through heavy traffic.