The victims of an assault by members of the VIP Protection Unit have been identified, according to South Africa Police Service (SAPS).
Police spokeswoman Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said they are in the process of recording their statements and they have also identified the culprits.
The SAPS has successfully traced the victims of this incident. The process to obtain their statements continues as part of the probe. The police officers involved have also been identified and will be subjected to internal processes. SAPS will cooperate with IPID investigation.
Earlier SAPS had distanced itself from the VIP Protection Unit member’s behaviour;
While the internal departmental investigation into the conduct of the members is underway, the SAPS distances itself from the conduct and behaviour depicted in the video which do not align with the values and Code of Conduct of the SAPS, which outlines the values and principles that all SAPS members are expected to uphold, including integrity, professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Gen Masemola condemned the behaviour of these members.
“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. Such action cannot be condoned regardless of the circumstance,” said Gen Fannie Masemola.
This is what happens when tax money is wasted on the armed wing of the ruling party. These SAPS VIP ‘protectors’ are nothing but low life criminals. They should be named, shamed and locked away. Charge them @SAPoliceService your silence is deafening!!! https://t.co/h5e84ih263 pic.twitter.com/GN5VUp2ckw
— Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) July 3, 2023
