Blue light brigade members suspended

GAUTENG – Four members of Deputy President Paul Mashatile VIP protection service have been suspended after a video showed them assaulting other motorists circulated online. Two other police officers involved in the incident are also facing suspension. DP Mashatile said that he was not in the vehicle at the time and condemned the incident.

Footage emerged of a group of heavily-armed officers from the police’s VIP Protection Unit dragging and repeatedly kicking three people on the N1 in Johannesburg. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the officers will be given a chance to defend themselves before making a final decision. They must provide representations as to why they should not be suspended under the circumstances. Their representations will be considered, and the outcome will be communicated to them.