News
No Easy Exit: Mashatile’s VIP Protection Unit to Face Trial Over N1 Highway Attack
A Step Closer to Justice in the N1 Highway Assault Case
Eight former VIP protection officers linked to Deputy President Paul Mashatile are still facing serious criminal charges after their attempt to have the case thrown out failed in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court this week.
The group, which gained infamy after a 2023 viral video showed them allegedly assaulting occupants of a VW Polo on the N1 highway, had hoped the court would discharge them under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, a mechanism that allows for charges to be dropped if there is insufficient evidence.
But Magistrate Abdul Khan ruled otherwise. Only one charge, attempting to defeat the administration of justice, was dismissed. All other charges remain, including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property, pointing a firearm, and reckless and negligent driving.
Trial to Resume in 2026
The ruling means the highly publicised trial will continue from 23 to 27 March 2026 at the same court. Each of the eight accused remains out on R10 000 bail.
Those accused are Lesibana Rambau, Churchill Mkhize, Moses Tshidada, Phineas Boshielo, Harman Ramokgonami, Johannes Mampuru, Shadrack Kojoana, and Pomso Mofokeng.
Magistrate Khan explained that after reviewing both the legal arguments and available evidence, there was enough to proceed. “The accused will now face charges relating to malicious damage to property, assault and pointing of a firearm, and reckless driving,” he said.
What Happened on the N1
The case stems from a July 2023 incident that shocked South Africans. A video that circulated widely on social media showed men believed to be members of the Deputy President’s protection unit stopping a VW Polo on Johannesburg’s N1 highway.
In the footage, the officers were seen brandishing rifles, breaking the car’s windows, and assaulting the occupants, later confirmed to be trainee soldiers. The clip sparked outrage nationwide, raising questions about accountability and the conduct of elite police units.
At the time, police management promised swift disciplinary action, but months later, many of the same officers were back on duty.
Calls for Accountability
Civil rights organisation Action Society welcomed the court’s decision, saying it exposed a worrying gap between internal police discipline and actual justice.
Spokesperson Juanita du Preez said the defence had argued that the state had not provided sufficient evidence, but the court’s decision proved otherwise.
“We are satisfied with the ruling. There is a clear difference between the results of the internal disciplinary hearing, which dismissed crucial evidence, and what is now unfolding in court,” she said.
Du Preez added that the ruling should prompt the South African Police Service to revisit its disciplinary decisions. “At the very least, these officers should be suspended again because they are all back on active duty,” she said.
A Broader Question
The case has reignited public debate about the culture within VIP protection units, often accused of using excessive force and acting above the law. For many South Africans, the viral N1 footage was a jarring symbol of power without restraint.
With the trial now heading into 2026, victims and civil society will be watching closely to see whether justice finally matches the public outrage that first erupted two years ago.
Also read: JSC Opens Nominations for Gauteng Judge President After Mlambo’s Promotion
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: IOL
Featured Image: Shutterstock
