Four of eight cops linked to alleged VIP protection assault suspended

Four of the eight VIP protection unit members linked to the alleged N1 assault of members of the military have been suspended, police confirmed on Wednesday morning.

This was confirmed by police two days after a video depicting the vicious attack went viral on social media.

It showed how more than six members of the VIP protection unit attached to deputy president Paul Mashatile allegedly assaulted three seemingly helpless and unarmed men. One of the assaulted men appeared to be left unconscious. 

Police have tracked down the victims and identified the officers captured in the footage.

National police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe initially confirmed the officers involved would be subjected to “internal processes” but revealed on Wednesday morning four had been served with suspension notices.

“In terms of the disciplinary regulations they have been served with notices of the employer's intention to suspend. They must provide representations why they should not be suspended under the circumstances.

“Representation will be considered and the outcome will be communicated to them,” she told TimesLIVE.

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 has confirmed an investigation into the matter.

TimesLIVE

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