The South African Police Service (SAPS) has provided an update to the Portfolio Committee on Police regarding the ongoing disciplinary process against VIP Protection Officers involved in the widely publicized assault of motorists on the N1 Highway in July 2023. The proceedings have been plagued by multiple postponements, legal disputes, and procedural challenges, raising concerns over delays in justice and accountability.
The incident, which took place in Gauteng on July 3, 2023, involved VIP Protection Officers assigned to the security detail of Deputy President Paul Mashatile. A viral video captured the officers assaulting motorists, triggering public outrage and immediate calls for action. The SAPS Presidential Protection Service was made aware of the matter on the same day and initiated a disciplinary process.
The disciplinary hearing officially commenced on 18 December 2023, but has suffered several postponements “due to complexities associated with collective misconduct involving several members.”
On 01 November 2024 members were suspended without salary in terms of Regulation 15(5) of SAPS Discipline Regulations for a period of two months. Under the regulations, during the period of suspension, members must reconvene the hearing and the failure to reconvene would result to a discharge from the service.
The hearing was re-convened on the 12 of December 2024 and representatives of members requested to submit written representation for the failure to attend the hearing that lead to the suspension of members. The hearing was then postponed to 04 February 2025.
On 16 January 2025, further delays occurred as the South African Police Union (SAPU), which had taken on the officers’ representation, requested another rescheduling to January 29, 2025. At this hearing, SAPU argued for another postponement until February 17-18, 2025, citing a related criminal case set to begin on February 3, 2025.
When the disciplinary hearing resumed on February 17-18, 2025, the investigating officer was summoned to clarify key aspects of the case. However, the matter was yet again deferred, with a new date set for March 17-19, 2025, where witness testimonies are expected to be presented.
