Does shocking video show VIP police attacking military police on N1?
At least three of the four victims of the attack are soldiers
While initial reports circulating about the viral video describe the occupants of a blue VW Polo as civilians, we can reveal that at least three of them were SANDF members busy with military police training in Pretoria.
What has been confirmed as members of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s VIP protection team can be seen attacking the driver and passengers of the Ladysmith-registered car in a viral video.
The video has been circulating on social media throughout the day. Police have confirmed that all eight officers linked to the attack have been identified and will face an internal investigation.
The attack occurred on the N1 near Sunninghill near Johannesburg.
The SANDF have declined to confirm or deny whether the occupants of the vehicle were in the military, saying the incident happened outside the military space and in the civilian space. It is a matter for the SAPS to confirm. At least one of those attacked was so badly beaten that he has little to no recollection of what happened.
The vehicle they were driving in is registered to a person living in Ladysmith, who is a member of the SANDF.
It has been widely reported in the media that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is currently investigating the incident that has sent shock waves through South Africa.
Andrew Whitfield MP – DA Shadow Minister of Police said that the DA is deeply disturbed by the video circulating on social media, showing individuals who appear to be members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) VIP policing unit in official vehicles at Fourways, engaging in the physical assault of two civilians by the roadside while brandishing their firearms. The footage is highly distressing and raises serious concerns about the conduct of those who are supposed to uphold the law.
The brutal and unwarranted attack by half a dozen heavily-armed men, allegedly SAPS members, on unarmed motorists cannot be condoned and immediate action must be taken. Has the ANC government lost that much control of the country that armed thugs allegedly on government business can savagely beat, kick and threaten motorists just trying to get home or get to work?
Read original story: Police respond to viral video of Ladysmith-linked attack on N1
Also read: Police respond to viral video of Ladysmith-linked attack on N1
See this week’s Ladysmith Gazette for the full story.
The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Ladysmith Gazette, a sold newspaper distributed in the Ladysmith area.
Please follow us on our YouTube channel and do not be shy; please subscribe and comment as well. Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there!
