Cape Town – The acquittal of all eight members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) VIP Protection Unit who were charged with assaulting a civilian on the N1 has drawn sharp criticism from Parliament, which described it as a “shame and miscarriage of justice”.
Exactly two years ago, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) arrested the eight VIP Protection Services members then attached to Deputy President Paul Mashatile after a video clip of them assaulting a civilian along the N1 went viral on social media.
IPID charged the members with several crimes, including assault, malicious damage to property, and the unlawful discharge of a firearm.
However, the SAPS has cleared all eight VIP protection unit officers accused of the offences filmed in 2023.
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.
Commenting on the unexpected outcome late on Tuesday, (6 May 2025, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police in Parliament, Ian Cameron, said he has “learned with shock and dismay of the acquittal”.
The chairperson said that the ruling was “shameful, indefensible, and immoral”.
Cameron added: “The acquittal of the [VIP Protection] members is not only a miscarriage of justice but also puts the name and image of the SAPS into disrepute.
“Furthermore, this decision strengthens the public perception of SAPS officers being and acting above the law.
“This decision lacks legal and moral justification and should be reconsidered.”
He warned that with the worsening trust deficit between the police and communities, such decisions will further erode the low levels of trust that exist between the police and the people.
“Moreover, the ruling entrenches the long-held committee’s view that internal disciplinary mechanisms within SAPS are inadequate and rewards rogue officers,” Cameron said.
“Also, this decision will further cement the public’s perception of a complete disregard of consequence management within the SAPS.”
Cameron also highlighted that this case was an instance of “a thief being caught with the stolen goods”, as there was clear evidence from footage showing the perpetrators kicking a defenceless civilian while brandishing high-calibre firearms.
He said the portfolio committee had previously raised concerns about the slow pace of the disciplinary process, but the decision reached today gives the impression of a badly performed tick-box exercise.
“This decision sends a wrong message to all South Africans about the lack of recourse when SAPS members abuse their authority,” said Cameron.
“It also portrays a SAPS that lacks compassion and care for victims of abuse; one that is preoccupied with protecting each other and not the citizens.”
Cameron said the role played by labour unions in stalling the case has undermined due process.
“This was not due process, but weaponised bureaucracy funded by taxpayers. What is even more infuriating is that the SAPS paid an amount of over R112 000 just for the Chairperson’s expense, which should be classified as fruitless and wasteful expenditure,” Cameron emphasised.
The chairperson said he will, on behalf of the committee, write to the police minister and the national commissioner to demand an explanation from the Minister of Police for this outcome, on behalf of the nation and for the victims.
He said the committee will, for its part, consider legislative reforms to end the abuse of internal processes in SAPS and to limit the obstructive role of unions in misconduct cases.
“We cannot accept a SAPS that protects thugs in uniform,” Cameron said.
“We will not sit silently while the rule of law is trampled upon behind closed doors.”
