Does police union believe N1 assault officers acted appropriately? 'Innocent until proven guilty'
The officers were captured on video in 2023 assaulting civilians on the N1 highway in Johannesburg, an incident that sparked widespread public outrage.
FILE: Members of the South African Police Service's VIP protection unit appear in court for the assault of civilians in Johannesburg. Picture: EWN
Thabo Shole-Mashao, standing in for 702's Clement Manyathela, interviews Lesiba Thobakgale, Spokesperson for the South African Policing Union (SAPU).
Listen below:
The South African Policing Union (SAPU) has condemned remarks made by the DA’s Ian Cameron, who claimed that internal accountability within the South African Police Service (SAPS) is merely superficial and that politically connected officers are effectively untouchable.
SAPU's response follows the recent acquittal of eight VIP protection officers assigned to Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Thobakgale says the officers underwent the same disciplinary procedures applicable to all SAPS members.
He explains that following the allegations, an internal investigation was launched, leading to a disciplinary tribunal where the officers were ultimately acquitted.
While Thobakgale does not directly respond to Thabo's question about whether the officers' conduct aligned with SAPU's values, he emphasises that the union must represent and support its members through due process.
"Everyone is innocent until proven guilty... Let's allow the courts to do what they have to do."
- Lesiba Thobakgale, Spokesperson – South African Police Union
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.