UPDATE: Mashatile insists he’s well protected after vehicle shooting incident

Three weeks after the alarming incident was quietly buried, it has come to light that a vehicle in Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s convoy came under gunfire.

Reports indicate that one of Mashatile’s official vehicles was struck by bullets three times while he was travelling home from an ANC national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg, Gauteng.

The shooting occurred on the N12 highway while the deputy president was inside the vehicle.

Police probe Mashatile’s vehicle shooting

According to City Press, the South African Police Service (Saps) and the Presidential Protection Unit (PPU) have since launched a joint investigation into the alleged attack.

Although national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe declined to comment, Mashatile’s spokesperson, Keith Khoza, confirmed the incident.

“All we know is that the car was hit [by gunfire] after leaving the NEC meeting.

“The issue is currently being handled by the [Saps] general responsible for presidential security services and the related arms of the police force,” Khoza told City Press.

He explained that the PPU did not return fire during the incident, as their priority was to ensure Mashatile’s immediate safety.

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Khoza added that there was confidence the police would get to the bottom of the shooting, but withheld further information so as not to compromise the investigation.

“We are waiting for the full report from the relevant people once the investigation is done so that we can know the motive and possibly the arrest of those who did it.”

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the KwaSizabantu Easter service in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on Sunday, Mashatile also confirmed the shooting took place.

“The bulletproof windscreen is quite strong to be damaged,” he said.

The deputy president also stressed that he was not concerned about his safety.

“I’m properly protected so [there’s] nothing to worry about.”

He further said the motive behind the shooting remains unknown at this stage, insisting that investigations are still underway.

Mashatile’s VIP protection assault

This is not the first time Mashatile’s security detail has made headlines.

In 2023, members of his VIP protection team were involved in an incident that drew widespread condemnation.

Eight of his protection officers were filmed assaulting the occupants of a Blue Polo Vivo on the N1 Highway in Johannesburg on 1 July 2023.

The victims were en route from Potchefstroom in the North West to a military base in Pretoria when the alleged assault occurred.

Mashatile clarified that he was not on the scene at the time of the assault.

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The officers – Shadrack Molekatlane Kojana, Johannes Matome Mampuru, Posmo Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molefo Boshielo, Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize, Lesiba Aggrie Ramabu, and Moses Fhatuwani – are currently on trial.

They face multiple charges, including pointing a firearm, malicious damage to property, reckless and negligent driving, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, attempting to defeat the administration of justice, and assault by threats.

The officers, who were suspended with full pay in the days following the incident, have since returned to work.

They are currently out on R10 000 bail each.