Lerato Mbhiza
THE assault case of the eight South African Police Service (Saps) VIP protection members will go on trial next year after the state has completed its investigations.
The suspects were part of Deputy President Paul Mashatile‘s security detail when they were caught on camera assaulting civilians on the N1 highway near Olivedale in Johannesburg in July.
They are facing 12 charges, including pointing a firearm, reckless and negligent driving, malicious damage to property, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, obstruction of justice, and assault by way of threat.
The police officers who are out on R10 000 bail each, appeared in court for the first time since the case started without wearing masks to cover their faces as they appeared at the Randburg Magistrates Court on Thursday morning.
Last month, the eight men returned to work after the finalisation of the disciplinary process against the officers. But they were deployed to a different unit.
“In line with the Saps disciplinary regulations, suspension is for 60 days; thereafter, the suspension is automatically lifted if the internal process is still underway,” Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.
Magistrate Hlengiwe Mkhabisi had previously allowed the accused to wear masks in their last court appearance because of a pending identity parade.
Prosecutor Advocate Elize le Roux informed the court on Thursday that the state and the defence had agreed to hold the trial in May.
“I can place on record that the investigation is now complete and the state is now in a position to propose a date for trial. The date that we want to be postponed for your indulgence is the 6th to the 10th of May 2024,” Le Roux said.
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