The South African Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, yesterday released a statement after a video showing armed men, allegedly his VIP protection officers, assaulting three civilians on the Gauteng highway went viral on social media.

The video shows armed men dragging someone out of a car before they hit and kick two men on the ground next to the car. One of the victims seems to lose consciousness during the attack.

“The deputy president has become aware of an unfortunate incident involving members of the SAPS, who are attached to his protection detail and civilians, which occurred in Johannesburg over the weekend,” the deputy president’s office said in a brief statement.

Read previous article here: Watch: Police officers linked to Joburg assault identified, victims traced

The second-in-command, according to the statement, abhors any unnecessary use of force, particularly against unarmed civilians.

“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,” the statement reads.

According to the statement, SAPS National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has promised a thorough investigation of the incident.

These are apparently VIP protection cops…happened in JHB. pic.twitter.com/fgSNNpyK7s

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) July 3, 2023

“The deputy president appeals to the public to allow the SAPS the necessary space to complete its investigation into the incident and take whatever corrective action is deemed necessary.

Mashatile said he has full confidence in the SAPS, under the leadership of Minister Bheki Cele and the command of Masemola, to do the right thing.

Police yesterday said that they have traced the victims and are in the process of obtaining their statements. The police officers have also been identified.

The SAPS has since distanced itself from the conduct and behaviour of the officers shown in the video.

“Such action cannot be condoned regardless of the circumstance,” Masemola explained. – SAnews.gov.za