Police have confirmed that the eight members of the SAPS VIP Protection Unit, who were suspended due to their involvement in assaulting civilians, continue to receive their full salaries.
A video that gained significant attention earlier this month showed members of the security team responsible for safeguarding Deputy President Paul Mashatile assaulting two men alongside the N1 highway in Johannesburg.
Also read: Members of police VIP unit served with intent to suspend
Sensitive content warning: The video depicts a group of officers dragging a man (presumed to be the driver of a blue VW Polo) and assaulting him on the side of the highway. Some of the officers were armed with assault rifles and firearms.
Make these thugs famous! Allegedly cops of VIP protection unit. This is an atrocity. This is what happens when the police is used as an iron fist for the state. Apparently in Johannesburg today. What will happen to them @SAPoliceService? Whatever happened to serve and protect?! pic.twitter.com/mkImtSNpmw
— Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) July 3, 2023
As a result of an ongoing investigation, the eight individuals have been suspended from all police activities.
As per EWN, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola clarified that it is standard practice for members to be suspended with full pay during such investigations. He emphasised the importance of treating these individuals the same as others in similar circumstances.
‘Yes, the members have to be suspended with a salary. For us, everybody who gets suspended goes on suspension with a salary. It’s an agreement that has been made at the Bargaining Council. They can’t be treated differently than others,’ he added.
Also read:
Victims traced as Ipid investigate alleged assault by police VIP Unit
Picture: Screenshot of video