All 8 Members of VIP Protection Unit Charged in Civilian Assault Along N1 Cleared of Charges
Cape Town – The ruling acquitting all eight members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) VIP Protection Unit, who were charged with assaulting a civilian on the N1, has ignited significant outrage from Parliament, which has termed it a “disgrace and miscarriage of justice”.
Two years prior, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) apprehended the eight members of the VIP Protection Services, previously linked with Deputy President Paul Mashatile, following a viral video that depicted them assaulting a civilian along the N1.
IPID filed multiple charges against the officers, encompassing assault, malicious damage to property, and unlawful discharge of a firearm.
Notwithstanding these allegations, SAPS has exonerated all eight officers of the offenses captured on video in 2023.
The accused VIP Protection officers—Shadrack Molekatlane Kojoana, Johannes Matome Mampuru, Posmo Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molefo Boshielo, Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize, Lesiba Aggrie Ramabu, and Moses Fhatuwani—remain on R10,000 bail each.
In reaction to the unexpected ruling on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police in Parliament, voiced his “shock and dismay” at the acquittal.
The chairperson characterized the ruling as “shameful, indefensible, and immoral”.
Cameron asserted, “The acquittal of the [VIP Protection] members is not only a miscarriage of justice but also tarnishes the reputation and image of the SAPS.”
He elaborated, “This decision only strengthens the public perception that SAPS officers operate above the law.”
“It has no legal or moral justification and warrants reconsideration,” he urged.
Cameron cautioned that such rulings, amidst an already widening trust gap between the police and the community, will further strain the fragile relationship the police maintain with the public.
“Moreover, this ruling underscores the longstanding committee view that SAPS’s internal disciplinary processes are ineffective and reward rogue officers,” Cameron stressed.
“This also exacerbates the public perception of a complete disregard for accountability within the SAPS.”
Cameron pointed out that this case exemplified “a thief caught red-handed with the stolen goods,” as clear evidence was presented showing officers attacking a defenseless civilian while brandishing high-caliber firearms.
He noted that the portfolio committee had previously raised concerns over the sluggish pace of disciplinary processes, emphasizing that the outcome felt akin to a poorly executed tick-box exercise.
“This ruling conveys the wrong message to all South Africans regarding the lack of recourse when SAPS members misuse their authority,” Cameron declared.
“It reflects a SAPS that lacks empathy and concern for victims of abuse; one that prioritizes shielding its own over serving citizens.”
He also highlighted that the role of labor unions in delaying the case has obstructed due process.
“This was not due process but an exploited bureaucratic process using taxpayer funding. It is even more frustrating that SAPS incurred over R112,000 just for the Chairperson’s expenses, which can be deemed fruitless and wasteful,” Cameron asserted.
The chairperson announced his intention to write to the police minister and the national commissioner seeking an explanation regarding this outcome, representing both the nation and the victims.
He indicated that the committee would pursue legislative reforms to curb the abuse of internal processes within SAPS and limit the obstructive influence of unions in misconduct cases.
“We cannot condone a SAPS that shelters criminals in uniform,” Cameron declared.
“We will not remain silent while the rule of law is overlooked behind closed doors.”