AfriForum demands speedy investigation into assault by VIP protection officers

4 July 2023

The civil rights organisation AfriForum has demanded a speedy investigation into an incident where members of the SAPS VIP protection unit assaulted motorists in Gauteng.

The incident was caught on video and has spread like wildfire on social media. This is not the first-time members of this unit have abused their powers. What makes this incident even more shocking, is that it has now been confirmed that this security detail was assigned to Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

“We welcome the fact that the SAPS has already started an investigation into the matter, but unfortunately this type of behaviour has become a calling card of these units. There have been numerous instances of bullying behaviour by these officers”, says Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s spokesperson for Community Safety.

“Their reckless behaviour and driving have also caused accidents, such as in the case of 18-year-old, Thomas Ferreira, who was hospitalised in a critical condition after being knocked off his bike by a member of the then Gauteng MEC, Humphrey Mmemezi’s security detail in 2011. No one is above the law and the police should act swiftly to ensure these bullies are reminded of that,” concludes Broodryk.

Issued by Jacques Broodryk, Spokesperson: Community Safety, AfriForum, 4 July 2023