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The deputy president's state vehicle was struck by bullets on 30 March, resulting in his security being beefed up.
Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu. Picture: Gallo Images/Brenton Geach
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says the shooting incident involving Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s vehicle will not result in increased spending on VIP protection.
Mchunu answered questions as part of the security cluster during Tuesday’s hybrid plenary session of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
When Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Nicholas Gotsell asked what steps were being taken to ensure that the alleged attack on Mashatile’s blue lights convoy would not be used to justify increased VIP security expenses, Mchunu dismissed the concern.
He explained that the level of protection provided to government officials and other VIPs, including ministers and traditional leaders, is determined through a formal threat risk assessment.
“Then decisions get taken accordingly,” he said during the Q&A session.
Gotsell remained sceptical, suggesting that the incident was being used to “conveniently” bolster security for the deputy president as ANC succession battles intensify.
However, Mchunu denied the insinuation that public funds were being disproportionately allocated to VIP protection at the expense of addressing criminal activities, such as gang violence.
“Don’t create an impression that those problems exist because all the money is used to secure the president and the deputy president,” he said.
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When asked if he was satisfied with the security services provided to designated VIPs, Mchunu confirmed that no complaints had been received.
“We are satisfied that Saps [South African Police Service] is doing their job. They are doing very well in that aspect.”
The minister added that the police’s demand for security services needs to be managed carefully, “so we aren’t tempted to find ourselves in a problem.”
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with final findings expected in due course, according to Mchunu.
Mashatile’s state vehicle was struck by bullets while returning from an ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting along the N12 highway in Johannesburg on 30 March.
The incident was not immediately disclosed and only surfaced in the media weeks later.
In response, reinforcements were made to the Presidential Protection Services (PPS) for both Mashatile and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The police’s crime intelligence division continues to conduct routine risk and threat assessments.
According to News24, a ballistics report suggests Mashatile’s vehicle was “likely struck by stray shotgun pellets, not entirely fired upon”.
Separately, eight members of Mashatile’s security team were recently acquitted in an internal Saps disciplinary process, with the DA seeking reasons for the decision.
The officers – Shadrack Kojoana, Johannes Mampuru, Posmo Mofokeng, Harmans Ramokhonami, Phineas Boshielo, Churchill Mkhize, Lesiba Ramabu, and Moses Fhatuwani – had been filmed assaulting the occupants of a blue Polo Vivo on Johannesburg’s N1 Highway on 1 July 2023.
They now face multiple charges, including pointing a firearm, malicious damage to property, reckless and negligent driving, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, attempting to defeat the administration of justice, and assault by threats.
READ MORE: ‘Acquittal’ of Mashatile’s VIP officers a ‘miscarriage of justice’
The trial is scheduled to resume at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on 10 June 2025.
The officers, who were suspended with full pay, are currently out on R10 000 bail each.
Mchunu emphasised that action is taken when allegations of misconduct by VIP protection officers arise.
“The measures that get taken against members are in accordance with the regulations, and they follow procedures that are prescribed.
“So there are strict procedures that get followed,” the minister concluded.
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