All 8 Members of VIP Protection Unit Cleared of Assault Charges in N1 Incident
Cape Town – The decision to acquit all eight members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) VIP Protection Unit, who were charged with assaulting a civilian on the N1, has ignited significant backlash from Parliament, which has condemned it as a “shame and miscarriage of justice.”
Two years prior, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) apprehended the eight members of the VIP Protection Services, previously linked to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, after a viral video revealed their assault on a civilian along the N1.
IPID leveled multiple charges against the officers, including assault, malicious damage to property, and unlawful discharge of a firearm.
In spite of the evidence, SAPS has acquitted all eight officers of the crimes depicted in the video as of 2023.
The accused VIP Protection officers—Shadrack Molekatlane Kojoana, Johannes Matome Mampuru, Posmo Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molefo Boshielo, Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize, Lesiba Aggrie Ramabu, and Moses Fhatuwani—are currently on bail of R10,000 each.
In response to the unexpected ruling on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police in Parliament, expressed his “shock and dismay” at the acquittal.
The chairperson deemed the ruling “shameful, indefensible, and immoral”.
Cameron stated, “The acquittal of the [VIP Protection] members is not only a miscarriage of justice but also tarnishes the name and image of the SAPS.”
He further commented, “This decision reinforces the public belief that SAPS officers operate above the law.”
“It lacks both legal and moral justification and should be reconsidered,” he urged.
He cautioned that such rulings, especially amid a growing trust deficit between the police and the community, could further harm the already fragile relationship the police have with the public.
“Moreover, this ruling confirms the longstanding committee belief that SAPS’s internal disciplinary procedures are ineffective and favor rogue officers,” Cameron emphasized.
“This deepens the public perception of a complete lack of accountability within the SAPS.”
Cameron pointed out that this case exemplified “a thief caught with stolen goods,” highlighting the clear evidence presented, which showed officers assaulting a defenseless civilian while armed with high-caliber firearms.
He noted that the portfolio committee had previously raised concerns about the slow progress of disciplinary actions, suggesting that the outcome felt like a poorly executed box-ticking exercise.
“This ruling sends an incorrect message to all South Africans about the lack of recourse when SAPS members misuse their power,” declared Cameron.
“It exemplifies a SAPS that shows no empathy or concern for victims and prioritizes protecting its own over serving the public.”
He added that the involvement of labor unions in delaying the case has obstructed due process.
“This was not due process, but rather a weaponized bureaucratic process funded by taxpayers. It is even more frustrating that SAPS incurred over R112,000 solely for the Chairperson’s expenses, which could be deemed fruitless and wasteful,” Cameron asserted.
The chairperson announced his intention to write to the police minister and the national commissioner to demand an explanation regarding this outcome, representing the nation and the victims.
He indicated the committee would consider legislative reforms aimed at curtailing the abuse of internal processes within SAPS and limiting the obstructive influence of unions in misconduct cases.
“We cannot accept a SAPS that protects criminals in uniform,” Cameron declared.
“We will not remain silent while the rule of law is disregarded behind closed doors.”