By Akani Nkuna
The Democratic Alliance has expressed outrage over the acquittal of eight SA Police Service VIP Protection Unit members linked to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, following an internal disciplinary process.
The party has called for stronger accountability measures and an overhaul of the police’s disciplinary procedures in response to the decision.
DA spokesperson Ian Cameron, who also heads up the Portfolio Committee on Police, said on Wednesday that the outcome was travesty of justice and a blow to public trust in law enforcement accountability.
“This disgraceful outcome is the direct result of a failed internal SAPS disciplinary system, obstructive union interference and complicit police leadership,” he said in a statement.
“This case is not isolated. It reflects a broader rot within SAPS disciplinary processes where violent conduct is excused, internal accountability is cosmetic and politically connected officers enjoy untouchable status.”
The incident stems from July 2023 when members of Mashatile’s protection unit were allegedly captured on a viral video assaulting a driver on the N1 highway near Olivendale in Johannesburg.
The footage sparked national outrage, reigniting fierce debate around police brutality and law enforcement’s lack of accountability.
Although the criminal trial against the eight officers is still ongoing, they have reportedly returned to active duty.
“It is increasingly clear that bodyguards assigned to (the) deputy president operate as a law unto themselves – emboldened by institutional protection and unchecked by consequence,” said Cameron.
The DA has called for a series of urgent reforms following the recent acquittal, including an overhaul of SAPS’ disciplinary procedures to ensure accountability.
It also wants a parliamentary review of VIP protection protocols and reporting lines.
Cameron has said that he will write to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to seek clarity on why the officers were cleared.
INSIDE POLITICS