The Citizen reports that the eight SA Police Service (SAPS) members of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s VIP presidential protection unit have reportedly been acquitted by the police.

In a post on X, DA MP and chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, advised that the police had cleared the officers of the charges against them. “The Saps has officially acquitted all eight VIP protection unit officers who were filmed assaulting civilians on the N1 in 2023. This is the final insult to victims – and a warning to the public: police brutality will be protected behind closed doors,” Cameron wrote. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe commented: “The National Commissioner will study the chairperson’s report and consult legal services.” The criminal case against the eight suspects resumed in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court in February. The case was postponed to 10 June for other witnesses to testify. The accused are facing 12 charges, including pointing a firearm; reckless and negligent driving; malicious damage to property; assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm; obstruction of justice; and assault by way of threat. They are currently out on R10,000 bail each. The eight men returned to work in October last year. “In line with the Saps disciplinary regulations, suspension is for 60 days; thereafter, the suspension is automatically lifted if the internal process is still underway,” Mathe said at the time.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Faizel Patel at The Citizen
• Lees ook, Geen stappe teen agt van blouligbrigade, by Maroela Media

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