Action Society today attended proceedings at the Randburg Magistrates Court in the ongoing trial of eight members of the South African Police Service VIP Protection Unit, implicated in the widely publicised July 2023 N1 highway assault.
The case stems from a shocking incident in which a VIP convoy forced a vehicle to stop on the N1 highway before officers violently assaulted occupants next to a blue VW Polo. The attack, captured on video and widely circulated, showed multiple officers kicking and beating unarmed civilians in broad daylight, sparking national outrage and raising serious concerns about abuse of power within specialised SAPS units.
The accused in the matter are:
Accused 1: Shadrack Molekatlane Kojoana
Accused 2: Johannes Matome Mampuru
Accused 3: Pomso Joseph Mofokeng
Accused 4: Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami
Accused 5: Phineas Molefo Boshielo
Accused 6: Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize
Accused 7: Lesibana Aggrie Rambau
Accused 8: Moses Fhatuwani Tshidada
Today’s testimony focused extensively on how VIP protection convoys are structured and operated, including formation protocols, assigned roles, and how civilian motorists are expected to respond when approached by such convoys.
The court also heard detailed evidence regarding the moment the convoy encountered the blue VW Polo and the actions taken by the officers in response. This testimony is central to determining whether the conduct of the accused aligned with official training and protocol, or whether it constituted a clear deviation into unlawful and excessive force.
Accused 7, Lesibana Aggrie Rambau, took the stand today. He faces charges of reckless driving, malicious damage to property, and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Notably, he does not face a charge of pointing a firearm. His testimony focused on convoy formation and his account of the events on the day in question.
The trial is expected to continue this week, with the remaining accused scheduled to testify in the following order: Accused 6, 5, 4, 8, 2, 1, and 3.
Action Society National Spokesperson, Juanita du Preez, said the length of time it has taken for the matter to reach this stage remains deeply concerning.
“It has been nearly 1 000 days since this brutal assault took place on a public highway in full view of South Africans. Today, the court heard in detail how the public is expected to behave around VIP convoys, yet this is not common knowledge.
While detailed expectations are placed on civilian behaviour, the general public is largely unaware of how they are expected to act in the presence of VIP convoys. This lack of public understanding raises serious questions about fairness and accountability when civilians are confronted by high-speed, high-pressure convoy situations.
Even the accused conceded under questioning that they do not normally ‘drive like that’, which raises serious questions about what truly happened on that day and whether established protocols were ignored,” said du Preez.
She added that the case represents more than a single incident.
“This trial goes to the heart of accountability within law enforcement. When those entrusted with protection become perpetrators of violence, it erodes public trust at its core. South Africans deserve clarity, accountability, and consequences where the law has been broken.”
Action Society will continue to monitor proceedings closely as the trial unfolds.
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