Judgment in case against Mashatile's former bodyguards postponed to November

Judgment in the assault case involving Deputy President Paul Mashatile's former bodyguards has been postponed to 6 November because the magistrates was not feeling well on Thursday.

The eight VIP protectors have applied to have their charges withdrawn.

They were arrested two years ago after a video surfaced showing them assaulting two men on the N1 highway in Johannesburg.

Their bid to have the charges dropped is because they believe the State has insufficient evidence against them.

The former bodyguards of Deputy President Paul Mashatile pleaded not guilty to charges including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, reckless and negligent driving, and assault by way of threat.

This is despite a widely circulated video showing them brandishing firearms and allegedly using excessive force against two men during peak-hour traffic.

Prosecutor Yusuf Baba says the group will return to court in November.

"This matter was adjourned today for judgment on a section 174 application. However, due to the presiding officers falling ill, a date has been arranged with my colleagues so that the matter can be adjourned to the 6th of November."

Earlier this year, the South African Police Service cleared them in an internal disciplinary hearing.