AA: Deep concern over threats by VIP units to motorists

The AA was reacting to a viral video where the VIP officers attached to Deputy President Paul Mashatile were seen attacking the men on the N1 near Fourways in Gauteng this past weekend. 

Police have since made contact with the victims and have identified the officers involved. 

According to IPID  the victims of the assault are all military trainees and the assaulted driver was an employee of the SA National Defence Force.

AA spokesperson Layton Beard says the blue light officers must be arrested and face justice. 

"We have deep concerns about the so-called Blue Light Brigades and the threat they pose to road users. They are aggressive towards other drivers often pushing them off the road to ensure their convoy has easy passage – many times through heavy traffic. 

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“We noted then, as we do again here, that anecdotal evidence points to members screaming at other motorists, showing their firearms to other motorists to intimidate them, and generally being belligerent when on the road. Last night’s incident is another example of a unit acting above the law and urgent intervention is needed."

Meanwhile, the South African National Defence Union says they're standing by to assist the victims should indeed it be found that they are members of the SANDF. 

"But if these civilains are indeed soldiers, SANDU calls on those members to urgently contact the union, we are reaching out to them publicly so we can assist them with laying of charges against the perpetrators as well as a law suit against the Minister of Police and SAPS itself,” says SANDU’s Pikkie Greef.