SA Police Union on Paul Mashatile VIP officer acquittals: 'Public outrage cannot sway internal processes'
The VIP officers who were filmed assaulting motorists on the N1 highway were acquitted after a SAPS disciplinary process.
FILE: The eight South African Police Service (SAPS) VIP Protection Unit members make a brief appearance at the Randburg Magistrates Court on 9 November 2023. Picture: Thabiso Goba/Eyewitness News
CapeTalk’s Lester Kiewit speaks with Ulrich Roux, MD at Ulrich Roux and Associates and representative of three of the victims, and Lesiba Thobakgale, SA Police Union (SAPU) spokesperson.
Listen below:
Eight VIP Protection Unit officers attached to Deputy President Paul Mashatile were acquitted after assaulting motorists.
The assault was captured on video, which was shared widely on social media and news channels.
Despite this, SAPS' internal disciplinary system cleared the officers, sparking public outrage.
The South African Police Union represented the accused in the internal process.
Thobakgale says the officers were subjected to the correct disciplinary process, and the chairperson acquitted them after hearing all the information.
“... people stood out to be the judges of the members, where they are not the ones involved in the internal process.”
- Lesiba Thobakgale, SA Police Union
He says it would be unfair for public outrage to sway this decision, as it would mean public pressure could determine the outcome of internal processes.
RELATED: Acquittal of Paul Mashatile bodyguards in highway assault case sparks outrage
Roux says the victims he represents are deeply disappointed in this outcome but have not been deterred from pursuing criminal and civil charges.
“The onus of proof is completely different in a criminal matter as well as in civil litigation in the high court.”
- Ulrich Roux, MD - Ulrich Roux and Associates
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview for more.