South Africa: Deputy President’s Security Videoed in Violent Attack

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Facts

  • A video has surfaced of members of South African Deputy Pres. Paul Mashatile's police security team apparently stomping on a man's head and body last weekend until the individual appeared to lie unconscious on the floor.1
  • The 45-second video was recorded from a nearby car and posted on Twitter. Mashatile's office confirmed on Tuesday that the armed, plain-clothed officers were part of his security team, who were also filmed kicking another man holding his hands over his head.2
  • Mashatile's office also confirmed that the deputy president was not present at the incident. The altercation occurred on the N1 highway in northern Johannesburg after the security personnel were seen dragging the individuals out of their cars before returning to two black BMWs.3
  • The Northern Natal News also reported that the vehicle in which the victims of the assault were traveling is registered to a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and that the victims are believed to be SANDF recruits undergoing military police training.4
  • The Police Service distanced itself from the actions in the video, which it said are not in line with its "values and code of conduct," adding that the Police Service National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, personally condemned the acts.5
  • Meanwhile, South Africa's Independent Police Investigative Directorate confirmed that it is investigating the allegations against Mashatile's VIP [very important person] Protection Unit, and stated that Police Service management is offering its full cooperation.6

Sources: 1Independent, 2Al Jazeera, 3News24, 4The Citizen, 5AllAfrica, and 6The South African.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Daily Maverick. Although the Police Service has been unusually quick in their reaction to the incident, VIP Protection Units — often known as blue lights — are part of the wider problem within South Africa's police force. While VIP protection is understandable for the President and other elite members of the state, the reality is blue lights have expanded into a militia-like group to cause violence for political reasons. These units need to be investigated and overhauled.
  • Narrative B, as provided by ISS Africa. Police can make South Africa safe, especially when used correctly. With public trust in the Police Service low, building and sustaining public relations must now be the police's priority. The Police Service holds immense potential, even though the culture of the system has degraded since the post-apartheid reforms of the mid-1990s.

Predictions