By: Natasha Archary

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has reacted with shock towards the viral video showing members of Deputy President, Paul Mashatile’s VIP protection unit assaulting occupants of a VW Polo in Fourways, Johannesburg.
Two civilian men were dragged from their vehicle before being repeatedly kicked and beaten by eight of Mashatile’s security detail.
DA leader, John Steenhuisen said the assault by Mashatile’s VIP unit represents exactly what the ANC thinks of the people of South Africa.
“We are deeply disturbed by the video circulating on social media showing individuals, who appear to be members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) VIP policing unit in official vehicles in Fourways, engaging in the physical assault of civilians by the roadside while brandishing their firearms.
The footage is highly distressing and raises serious concerns about the conduct of those who are supposed to uphold the law.
The people are the ones down on the ground, and the ANC are the thugs masquerading as a government, stomping on our neck. It’s time to rescue SA from ANC abuse.”
John Steenhuisen says blue-light bullies who assaulted civilians must be brought to book
What we see in that #VIPProtection assault video, represents exactly what the ANC really thinks of the people of SA. The people are the ones down on the ground. And the ANC are the thugs masquerading as a government, stomping on our neck. It is time to rescue SA from ANC abuse. pic.twitter.com/e3rQBBNnCD
— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) July 4, 2023
Steenhuisen says the attack which was filmed by a motorist on the N1 in Fourways, cannot be swept under the table.
“The perpetrators must be arrested and charged with assault within 24-hours. These brazen blue-light bullies can be easily identified from not only the video, but also from the registration of their official vehicles.
I have this evening also referred this incident to the Executive Director of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for thorough investigation and appropriate action.”
While, Mashatile confirmed that the members of the VIP unit were part of his protection detail, he says he was not part of the convoy when the assault took place.
Mashatile appealed to the public to allow SAPS the space to investigate the incident.
Listen to the conversation on Kaya Drive:
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