Picture: A screengrab from a video/Daily Maverick
By OBAKENG MAJE
The deputy president, Paul Mashatile’s VIP Unit is facing a probe. This comes after the VIP Protection unit members were seen attacking civilians in a video that went viral on various social media platforms. It is alleged that the incident took place on N1 Road in Johannesburg.
The national police spokesperson, Brig Athlenda Mathe said: “The process to trace the victims who are seen to be allegedly assaulted by South African Police Service (SAPS) members is underway. After being made aware of the incident captured on a video clip that is currently doing the rounds on various media platforms, the SAPS management has begun the process to trace the victims to obtain statements from them, while an internal departmental investigation is underway.
“A preliminary report indicates that the vehicles seen in the video belong to the SAPS and the men seen in the video are SAPS members. While the internal departmental investigation into the conduct of the members is underway, the SAPS distances itself from the conduct and behaviour depicted in the video, which does not align with the values and code of conduct of the SAPS, which outlines the values and principles that all SAPS members are expected to uphold, including integrity, professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights.”
The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola has condemned the behaviour of these policemen.
“Members of the SAPS are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner. Such action cannot be condoned regardless of the circumstance,” said Gen Fannie Masemola.
The victims are encouraged to contact Brigadier Athlenda Mathe on 0820408808 for investigation purposes.
Meanwhile, the IRR Head of Strategic Communications, Hermann Pretorius said: “This disturbing event, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, is indicative of a state that has lost sight of its constitutional and moral obligations. Regrettably, such displays of irrational state violence are not surprising to many South Africans.
“The country has witnessed, with minimal accountability, the tragic deaths of hundreds of individuals in police custody, as well as killings in public such as those of Collins Khosa and Petrus Miggels, both victims of state violence for minor breaches of Covid-19 restrictions. Other victims of fatal police brutality in recent years – whose names are less well known – include Adane Emmanuel, Robyn Montsumi, and Ntando Sigasa.”
Pretorius further said, these incidents starkly contradict Nelson Mandela’s assertion that “no form of violence can ever be excused in a society that wishes to call itself decent” in the denary of his death. He added that, the IRR echoes this sentiment and welcomes the police’s investigation into the incident.
“A harmonious, free, non-racial, and prosperous South Africa is possible. But this can only be achieved when the government respects and upholds the rights and freedoms of its citizens. For this to happen, South Africans must engage with the substance of what has gone wrong.
“Incidents like yesterday’s blue light assault are symptomatic of an arrogant state that has been indulged with ever more power at the expense of the individual freedom and, ultimately, human dignity,” he said.
The Guardian 