A VIDEO capturing plain-clothed officers attached to the security team of South Africa’s deputy president assaulting three men on a busy Johannesburg highway has sparked outrage among South Africans. The officers, travelling in a convoy, were seen stomping on the victims, with one of them left unconscious on the tarmac after being kicked in the head.
The incident has ignited a wave of anger and discussions on social media platforms and local broadcasters regarding the conduct of VIP protection officers. Many citizens have expressed their concerns about police brutality and the need for accountability.
‘This is what happens daily to South Africans under the hands of police. This came to light because a video was recorded. Police brutality is a big problem in our country,’ said Malume Jaki, a taxi driver in Johannesburg, speaking to Anadolu.
Lindie Langa, a Twitter user, called for disciplinary action against the officers, stating, ‘Those protection officers must be subjected to disciplinary hearing for public assault and bringing the deputy president (Paul Mashatile) into disrepute. Let the law take its course.’
The deputy president, who reportedly was not present in the convoy during the incident, issued a statement expressing his disapproval of the unnecessary use of force against unarmed civilians. He assured the public that General Fannie Masemola, the national commissioner of police, has committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), a subsidiary of the South African Police Service (SAPS), has also initiated an investigation into the incident. IPID stated that it has already made contact with the victims and that SAPS management is fully cooperating with their investigation.
The incident has highlighted the pressing need for addressing police brutality in South Africa and ensuring accountability within law enforcement agencies. The public expects a thorough investigation and appropriate disciplinary measures to be taken against those responsible for the assault.
