ActionSA demands probe into Mashatile presence at VIP assault
ActionSA is calling on National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola to probe Deputy President Paul Mashatile for possibly lying about his role in the assault of motorists by his security detail on the N1 in Johannesburg.
On Tuesday, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula confirmed that Mashatile was in the convoy during the incident.
Mbalula's remarks starkly contrast the claim by Mashatile's office that the deputy president was not present during the incident.
Eight officers from the police's VIP unit are applying for bail in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.
ActionSA spokesperson Lerato Ngobeni says the party is concerned that Mashatile might influence his security personnel's response.
READ: 8 VIP officers in court, allowed to cover faces
"Court proceedings on Monday confirmed, under oath, that the VIP unit assaulted the South Africans after they apparently tried to hit the vehicle Mashatile was driving in.
"This is a direct contradiction with a statement made by the deputy president after the incident took place where he said that he was not present when the incident occurred.
"ActionSA, therefore, asks that General Masemola investigate the deputy president for lying and attempting to cover up his involvement in the incident.
If the deputy president had nothing to hide, why would he attempt to cover up whether he was present when the incident took place?"
