Mashatile’s former bodyguards fail to get main charges in assault trial dropped

The former bodyguards of Deputy President Paul Mashatile have failed to get the main charges in their assault trial dropped.

The eight men, attached to South African Police Service (SAPS) VIP Presidential Protection Unit, appeared in the Randburg Magistrates Court on Thursday for a ruling on their Section 174 application.

They allegedly assaulted civilians on the side of the N1 highway in Johannesburg in July 2023.

The incident was filmed and shared widely on social media.

The Section 174 application for all the accused on the charges of assault to do grievous bodily harm and causing malicious damage to property was dismissed.

However, only two of the accused, the drivers, will continue facing charges of negligent driving.

Four of the officers will continue to face charges for violating the Firearm Controls Act, for allegedly pointing of a firearm.

Magistrate Adbul Khan only granted a discharge application for the charges of defeating the ends of justice; he found all the officers not guilty of this offence.

JOIN US ON WHATSAPP

Stay ahead of the story: Join our WhatsApp channel today.

Want breaking news at your fingertips, the moment it happens? Our WhatsApp Channel is the fastest way to stay connected with the stories that matter most.

From breaking news alerts to exclusive stories, analysis and must-read features - you’ll get it all directly on your phone.

Joining is simple.

Just click Follow on our WhatsApp Channel and stay informed.