TimesLIVE reports that the SA National Defence Union (Sandu) said on Tuesday that the three occupants of a VW Polo who were allegedly assaulted by VIP Protection Unit members on the N1 highway were all SA National Defence Force members, with at least one of them being affiliated to the union.

On Monday, a video clip depicting the incident went viral on social media. Sandu’s JG Greeff said they had spoken to their affiliate, who had given them a detailed account of what transpired. He revealed that the group had subsequently been in touch with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) which interviewed the victims on Tuesday afternoon and advised them to not engage any police officers while the Ipid investigation was being conducted. Greeff commented: “Sandu agrees with this approach and remains in support of the victims.” He urged that space be given to Ipid and the victims to allow the investigation to conclude and said the union would remain in constant contact with and supportive of the victims while they worked through “this traumatic experience.” Sandu expressed its availability to help the victims to institute civil action. The particular VIP Protection Unit was that of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was not travelling with the unit at the time of the incident.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Phathu Luvhengo at TimesLIVE

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