Paul Mashatile’s VIP Protectors out on bail
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A Magistrate presiding over a case against 8 VIP Protection Unit officers for the Deputy President Paul Mashatile has postponed to September 27th.
But it was not before she lashed out at state for poor preparation for the case saying the arrest of the said suspects was premature, taking in consideration that there is still an outstanding evidence to collect outside.
The said suspects were recorded by a civilian and the video went viral on social media where it saw several people including politicians calling for action and arrest of the officers.
They later on handed themselves over to the police.
Magistrates asked the state if they are sure that they have the right people because the person who recorded the video had not been contacted. They heard that the person wishes to not be part of the case out fear of victimization having allegedly received threatening messages from an unknown number.
They are yet to find and trace the person.
Phindi Mjonondwana from the NPA said that the 8 suspects are facing charges of contravention of the Firearms Control Act, negligent driving, malicious damage to property, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, attempting to defeat the ends of justice, and assault by way of a threat.
All accused were released on R 10 000 bail each on a condition that they do not contact state witnesses either directly or indirectly. They are also not allowed to interfere with state investigations in any manner.
The court postponed the case to 27 September 2023, for further investigations.
