Fourways councillors react to assault by VIP protection services
Councillors from Region A in Fourways expressed their deep concern and disapproval of the incident.
The assault on South African citizens on the N1 near Fourways by the bodyguards of deputy president Paul Mashatile has sparked outrage among the public.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the conduct and accountability of those responsible for ensuring public safety.
The exact details and reasons behind the assault remain unclear at this time but the incident has garnered significant attention and condemnation from various quarters.
Councillors from Region A in Fourways expressed their deep concern and disapproval of the incident. The councillors have highlighted the need for a thorough investigation into the matter to ascertain the facts and ensure that those responsible for the assault face appropriate legal consequences.
Ward 115 councillor Mark Van der Merwe said, “I believe that the Blue Light VIP Services need to remember that they have no more rights than the average citizen. If a regular citizen of South Africa behaved in the same way that these thugs behaved, then we as citizens would be behind bars fighting for bail.
“Yet the police statements talk of ‘an alleged incident’. No, there is 100% clear video proof with clear images of those involved that they were clearly beating a citizen of South Africa even after that citizen was unconscious.
“These Blue Light VIP Brigades are just egotistical services for ministers. A total of over R1.7 billion is spent on VIP protection. What are these ministers so worried about that they need to spend R1.7 b on their private little army.”
Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe said, “I think they should be arrested and the vice president should be held accountable as he is ultimately responsible for his staff. His apology means nothing, he drives out of his estate in Waterfall where he lives every week and his blue light brigade drives down Waterfall Drive and right into Allandale on the wrong side of the road, into oncoming traffic onto the highway. I have reported it several times to the SAPS and the JMPD but nothing happens. The vice president is as arrogant as his VIP protection unit is.”
Ward 93 councillor David Foley said, “I suggest those people face the full might of the law and never be allowed to work in such a position as they are not a good example to society.”
Ward 94 councillor Vino Reddy said, “There have been numerous complaints by residents about the gratuitous use of force [allegedly by the VIP protection unit] to push residents off the road resulting in near accidents. I also have personal experience of being forced to change lanes when it wasn’t safe to do so. Blue lights are totally abused by those that use it as a status symbol.”
There are reports that the person who recorded the video of the assault was receiving threats, while the SAPS has now confirmed the suspension of eight members of the VIP protection service who were said to be involved in the shocking incident.
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