After a video of his VIP protection personnel reportedly attacking three civilians on a highway in
Gauteng went viral on social media, the Deputy President issued a response.
“The Deputy President has become aware of an unfortunate incident involving members of the
South African Police Service (SAPS), who are attached to his protection detail, and civilians, which
occurred in Johannesburg over the weekend,” the Deputy President’s Office said in a brief
statement. 

The second-in-command, according to the statement, hates any unnecessary use of force,
particularly against unarmed civilians. 
“Members of the SAPS are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and
exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner,” said the Deputy
President.

General Fannie Masemola, the national commissioner of SAPS, reportedly promised to conduct a
thorough investigation into the event, according to the Deputy President’s Office.
The victims of this event have since been located, according to the police.
“The process to obtain their statements continues as part of the probe,” the SAPS statement read,
adding that the police officers involved have also been identified and will be subjected to internal
processes.” 

The SAPS has since distanced itself from the conduct and behaviour and said it does not align with
the values and code of conduct of the SAPS needs to uphold. These include integrity,
professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights.