Mashatile confirms ‘blue light bullies’ attached to him
Paul Mashatile’s office has confirmed the bodyguards who assaulted motorists on the side of a highway in Johannesburg are attached to the deputy president.
Several members of the VIP Protection Unit were caught on video brandishing guns while attacking at least two occupants of a civilian car.
One of the victims can be seen lying motionless after one of the officers kicked him in the head.
At least three people from the car were filmed near the barrier on the side of the road, while a woman occupant fell back into the car as she looked on helplessly
It’s unclear what transpired before the attack, as the video starts with all cars stationary.
The incident, understood to have happened over the weekend, has caused widespread outrage.
Mashatile's office says the deputy president abhors any unnecessary use of force.
READ: WATCH: Blue light victims identified, cops to face internal process
It says the police chief has promised an investigation - adding it has complete confidence in the SAPS to do the right thing.
Anti-crime lobby group Action Society's Ian Cameron says the bodyguards should be dealt with immediately.
"It is absolutely disgusting to see the behaviour of these thugs who call themselves police members, but they certainly cannot be called that. They are criminals, and they should be prosecuted as such.
"We really hope as Action Society that the victims, in this case, do go ahead with the necessary criminal procedures, and we hope that everything in the state's power will be done to prosecute them.
"From our side as Action Society, we will do everything in our power to try and make sure that they get the worst possible punishment for what they have done."
