The Democratic Alliance DA has submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act PAIA application to obtain the record, decision and reasons for the acquittal of South African Police Service SAPS VIP protection officers assigned to Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
This week, the SAPS acquitted eight officers of assault charges that stemmed from an N1 highway incident in Johannesburg in July 2023.
The officers are Shadrack Kojoana, Johannes Mampuru, Posmo Mofokeng, Harmans Ramokhonami, Phineas Boshielo, Churchill Mkhize, Lesiba Ramabu and Moses Fhatuwani.
They were cleared following an internal disciplinary process, sparking public controversy. A video of the incident was shared widely on social media.
DAs PAIA request on Mashatiles VIP officersIn a statement on Thursday, the DA said it does not accept that the SAPS internal probe can clear the officers without compelling reasons and evidence having been considered.
As these reasons and evidence remain behind a wall of secrecy put up by the SAPS internal process, the DA has commenced a process to get answers on how this travesty of justice occurred, the partys spokesperson on police Ian Cameron said.
This PAIA application is an important step toward addressing the broader rot within the SAPS disciplinary process where violent conduct is excused, political connections remain untouchable and internal accountability is a mere check box exercise.
The officers still face 12 criminal charges, including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property, reckless driving and obstruction of justice.
They are out on R10 000 bail each, with their trial scheduled to continue at the Randburg Magistrate's Court on 10 June 2025.
The SA Police Union SAPU has come to their defence, arguing that public outrage cannot impact internal processes .