Johannesburg – Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament and “Shadow Minister of Police” Andrew Whitfield on Tuesday vowed to “do all in his power” to see that the armed VIP protection police officers seen in a video clip beating up three young men face justice.
The video clip which has gone viral on social media shows three occupants of a private vehicle on the side of a Gauteng highway being assaulted by members of its VIP unit. After the beating one of the men remained motionless while lying prostrate on the roadside.
“I will do everything in my power to ensure that these Blue Light Bullies are brought to book,” tweeted Whitfield, the leader of the DA in the Eastern Cape.
“I have already engaged the Executive Director of IPID and will be demanding that Minister Cele ensure SAPS arrest these thugs within 24 hours.”
The armed men have since been identified as protectors of Vice President Paul Mashatile.
“The Deputy President has become aware of an unfortunate incident involving members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) who are attached to his protection detail and civilians, which occurred in Johannesburg over the weekend,” Mashatile’s office said in a statement Tuesday.
“The Deputy President abhors any unnecessary use of force, particularly against unarmed civilians”.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, has promised a thorough investigation of the incident and articulated the conduct expected of police officers very well.
“Members of the SAPS are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner,” said General Masemola.
The Deputy President said he fully endorses General Masemola’s sentiments.
“The Deputy President appeals to the public to allow the SAPS the necessary space to complete its investigation into the incident and take whatever corrective action is deemed necessary,” said the statement.
“The Deputy President has full confidence in the SAPS under the leadership of Minister Bheki Cele and the command of General Masemola to do the right thing in this regard.”
Ian Cameron from Action Society has also “strongly condemned” the video.
“This incident demands immediate action and accountability for the officers involved,” said Cameron.
Meanwhile, SAPS said it has traced the young persons seen being beaten in the video.
“The SAPS has since successfully traced the victims of this incident. The process to obtain their statements continues as part of the probe,” said Brigadier Athlenda Mathe on Tuesday morning.
“The police officers involved have also been identified and will be subjected to internal processes.
“Management of the SAPS views this as serious and will get to the bottom of this incident.”
