By: Natasha Archary

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola has confirmed that all 8 VIP Protection Unit officers who were caught on a video assaulting three men, have been suspended.
According to General Masemola, the VIP Protection members have since been removed off Deputy President, Paul Mashatile’s security detail, pending the outcome of the investigation into their conduct.
“Thus far 8 VIP Protection Unit officers have been served suspension notices, and have been removed from their posts, pending the outcome of the investigation.
I want to reiterate that the SAPS does not condone such behaviour, and no amount of provocation can ever justify or validate what we saw on the video clip.”
National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola
Graphic video footage which was captured by a motorist, shows VIP Protection Unit members dragging three occupants of a blue VW Polo out of their vehicle, before proceeding to kick and assault them.
The three victims are trainees of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Masemola said that the victims have been successfully traced, and the process is underway to obtain their statements in order for police to conclude the probe.
Huge outcry from the public and political parties over the incident has prompted an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
SAPS says it will cooperate with the IPID investigation.
The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola has announced that all eight members accused of the N1 assault have all been served with notices to suspend them. All 8 have been temporarily withdrawn from their posts pending the outcome of the investigation. pic.twitter.com/A886RfQkdP
— Athlenda Mathe (@AthlendaM) July 6, 2023
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