South Africa
Deputy President’s bodyguards back in office after assault video─── TSHEHLA KOTELI 13:24 Mon, 23 Oct 2023
“In line with the SAPS disciplinary regulations, the suspension is for 60 days, thereafter the suspension is automatically lifted if the internal process is still underway.”
The eight members of VIP Protection Services who were caught on video assaulting citizens are back at work while their court case is ongoing.
National Police Spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, confirmed to OFM News the eight bodyguards trusted with the life of Deputy President Paul Mashatile are back at work. This follows after they were suspended for assaulting citizens on the highway in Fourways, Johannesburg. While their case is still ongoing, their suspension has been lifted – however, they are only office-based and not operational.
“In line with the SAPS disciplinary regulations, the suspension is for 60 days, thereafter the suspension is automatically lifted if the internal process is still underway.”
She added the internal departmental inquiry has been concluded, and the Divisional Commissioner for Protection Security Services has assigned personnel to commence the disciplinary proceedings.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile confirms VIP Protection Unit Members caught in the N1 incident are assigned to him. pic.twitter.com/WNbEV5UsfV
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) July 4, 2023
Bringing it home to the Free State, MEC of Finance, Gadija Brown’s bodyguard was arrested while transporting her. Robbie Raburabu, the spokesperson for the National Independent Police Investigating Directorate (IPID), said Vusimuzi Matthews Makhaza is facing attempted murder charges. The legal action stems from an incident where Makhaza discharged a firearm in a public area. This arrest follows allegations of a confrontation that unfolded at a tavern in Kagisanong, Bloemfontein.
Raburabu added Makhaza reportedly suffered an injury when he was struck with a beer bottle on the ear. Nearly a week later on 24 September Makhaza purportedly attempted to seek revenge by going to the residence of the individual who had allegedly attacked him. Unable to locate the person, Makhaza returned later that evening and found him there with his girlfriend.
The girlfriend answered the door while she had a 9-month-old baby in her arms. Upon seeing Makhaza armed with a firearm, she promptly closed and locked the door.
In response to this situation, Raburabu further alleges that the police officer discharged his firearm, resulting in damage to the door in an attempt to gain entry. Subsequently, the police were called and arrived at the scene after the officer had departed.
He is now out on a warning and is expected back in court on 2 November.
