The eight members of the Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s VIP Protection Unit, were suspended without pay last week. Action Society welcomes this step, but stresses that the move is clearly not the result of an effective disciplinary process, but rather the continued pressure from public outcries, the media and more recently the Portfolio Committee on Police that has forced the South African Police Service (SAPS) to relent and suspend. In fact, it is clearer than ever before that SAPS’ disciplinary process is fatally flawed and allows blatant criminals to continue with impunity.
It has been more than a year since the grievous roadside assault of a civilian by Shadrack Molekatlane Kojana, Johannes Matome Mampuru, Posmo Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molefo Boshielo, Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize, Lesiba Aggrie Ramabu and Moses Fhatuwani – and still there is no justice. “While the suspension is a welcome step, it only followed after being postponed time and again for frivolous reasons and, we believe, only because of public pressure. What about the hundreds of cases that don’t receive the public attention this case has?” asks Action Society’s Juanita du Preez. “SAPS, IPID and the eight owe the public, but especially the victims of this crime an apology.”
Meanwhile the court hearing has been postponed at least six times, with the accused questioning the validity of the viral video capturing the assault at the last appearance. “The lives of the victim and witnesses have come to a standstill. They cannot commit to further employee training to further their careers because they have had to attend court cases and disciplinary hearings. This has had enormous financial implications for their lives. Furthermore, the victims fear for their lives as reports of whistleblowers being gunned down regularly make headlines.”
“Action Society demands swift justice in court for this case. It is time that an example is made of police criminals who bring shame to thousands of good officers trying to serve the country every day.”
