8 VIP officers in court, allowed to cover faces
The eight VIP Protection Unit officers accused of assaulting motorists in Johannesburg have lined up in the Randburg Magistrate's Court.
They handed themselves over to their colleagues on Sunday.
The officers, who are part of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's security detail, were filmed beating and kicking the occupants of a car on the N1 earlier this month.
Earlier, the court heard arguments on whether the media could record proceedings.
READ: 8 VIP officers to appear in court for motorists’ assault
The magistrate ruled that proceedings may be televised.
After the defence argued further that the accused should be allowed to cover their faces with face masks and hoodies as to not jeopardise their safety, the magistrate agreed to the request.
Proceedings were earlier adjourned briefly for consultations.
