In a case involving the VIP guards of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, the media has been forbidden from reporting on the proceedings.
The case resumed on Monday at the Randburg magistrate’s court after a five-month postponement.
All eight VIP protection officers, who are accused of attacking two military police officers on the N1 highway in Johannesburg in July 2023, pleaded not guilty to 11 charges.
They are charged with causing malicious damage to property, pointing a firearm, reckless driving, and attempting to defeat the administration of justice.
Before the trial began, the magistrate ordered the media to refrain from reporting on the witness testimonies.
Reporting and filming not allowed
“This means that there will be no filming or taking of pictures in court, no use of the witnesses’ words in court for reporting, nor will their names be published until the trial is over,” said magistrate Abdul Khan.
According to the charge sheet, the complainants said that the accused scratched and dented a VW Polo Vivo they were travelling in during the incident.
Mashatile’s guards kicked and hit them with firearms with the intention of harming them.
The eight accused handed themselves over to the police at the Sandton cop shop after a video of them allegedly assaulting the Polo Vivo occupants went viral on social media.
As soon as they were charged, they were suspended.
Out on R10 000 bail
They remain out on R10 000 bail each, and the suspension has been lifted as they now work as office-bound police officers.
In November 2023, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the long postponement came after the state’s request.
“We are of the view that we have enough evidence to sustain the allegations levelled against the accused before court,” said NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
“Much of what will happen at trial will be revealed in court.”
