The disciplinary hearing of the eight officers of the SAPS VIP Protection Unit involved in the BlueLightMafia incident in July this year is taking place this week. A key witness, the vehicle’s driver in the viral #BlueLightMafia video, is testifying in Pretoria today and tomorrow. Meanwhile, all eight are back at work after their fully paid 60-day suspension lapsed.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) has done nothing but drag their feet in the handling of this case. Action Society demands an end to the VIP treatment the eight thugs continue to receive from their employer. It took ten days to suspend the eight and more than 20 days to arrest them. From there, the SAPS allowed the eight’s paid suspension period to lapse without finalising their disciplinary investigations,” says Ian Cameron, Director of Community Safety at Action Society.
“What have they been doing if they are only now interviewing the main victim, almost five months later? They should be banned from ever working for the police again, banned from ever owning or using a firearm again, and they should go to jail.”
The eight’s criminal trial date has been set for 6 to 10 May 2024.
“The driver of the vehicle has gone through a lot. It is going a little better now, but he was anxious about testifying in light of what happened with other witnesses in cases against the police a few weeks ago. He is, however, determined to do everything he can to get these eight off the streets so that they cannot terrorise someone else. We have done everything in our power to make him feel safe in the process. Meanwhile, the civil case against the SAPS will continue, whatever the outcome of the disciplinary or criminal case,” Cameron continues.
Cases involving Blue Light brigade motor vehicles in road accidents and violent encounters with VIP Protection officers are increasing.
“The one thing that all the cases have in common is intimidation. They use their vehicles and authority as weapons, pushing drivers to the side. Too often, police members who commit these violent attacks walk away with only a slap on the wrist. The SAPS seems to choose not to act against this behaviour more often than not, allowing a culture of intimidation to continue to grow,” concluded Cameron.
Action Society will continue with oversight and support to the BlueLightMafia’s survivors.
