Eight of South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile VIP protection officers linked to an assault on the N1 highway weeks ago were arrested on Sunday and appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning.
- The accused were charged with attempted murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and defeating the ends of justice.
- The state prosecutor argued that the accused should not be granted bail due to the seriousness of the charges and the fact that they are linked to the deputy president.
- The defense argued that the accused are not flight risks and should be granted bail.
- The court has postponed the bail hearing until Thursday to allow the defense to gather more information.
- An investigation was opened after a video depicting a vicious attack went viral on social media.
- It showed members of the unit attached to deputy president Paul Mashatile assaulting three unarmed men who were in a VW Polo, en route from Johannesburg to Pretoria.
- One of the victims, 25-year-old infantryman L’vaughn Fisher, has acquired legal representation and intends to sue the police for R1m.
- The SA National Defence Union said the victims recounted how a black SUV had appeared next to their vehicle, with one of the occupants allegedly pointing a firearm.
- The vehicle was subsequently boxed in by more SUVs and forced, in formation, to the left side of the N1 highway.