The three victims who were assaulted by a VIP police escort on the N1 highway in Gauteng earlier in July were allegedly prevented from speaking about the incident by their employer, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
This is according to the civil organisation Action Society, which is representing one of the victims in legal action against the persons responsible, reported News24.
Public assault
The now-viral incident took place on the N1 near Fourways, Gauteng, and was filmed by a passing motorist.
It involved two black BMW SUVs which boxed in a blue VW hatchback and forced it to pull over on the side of the road.
After coming to a stop, armed men emerged from the SUVs and dragged three occupants out of the hatchback before brutally assaulting them and driving away again.
The video which captured the altercation was posted to social media and quickly caught the attention of local law enforcement and the public alike.
The victims, who have not been named, are confirmed to be members of the SANDF, while the perpetrators were quickly identified to be VIP police escort officers, often referred to as the “blue light brigade,” in the service of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was not present at the time of the incident.
The three victims are currently pursuing legal action against the people responsible, and the South African Police Services (SAPS) have suspended eight men in connection with the event.
The eight men, who are members of the SAPS, have all been suspended with full pay, according to National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.
I will do everything in my power to ensure that these Blue Light Bullies are brought to book. I have already engaged the Executive Director of IPID and will be demanding that Minister Cele ensure SAPS arrest these thugs within 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/n1PaOAXcin
— Andrew Whitfield, MP (@andrewhitfield) July 3, 2023
A legal representative from Action Society, Ian Cameron, said the victims have been told not to speak about the incident unless an SANDF general is present, even when speaking after hours in their personal capacity.
However, Daniël Eloff, another legal expert at Action Society, has challenged the order claiming that it violates the victims’ right to freedom of expression.
“In terms of South African law and the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, the SANDF has no jurisdiction to inhibit the victims or any individual from expressing their views or recounting their experiences outside of work hours and off military premises,” said Eloff.
Action Society therefore suspects that the order stems from political pressure from the top brass within the police and the SANDF, according to the Sunday Tribune.
“One would expect the upper echelons of the defence force to stand by its members, supporting them in their time of need rather than aiding in the protection of the alleged assailants from the SAPS VIP Unit,” said Eloff.
“The truth must be brought to light, and the victims have every right to bring their personal experiences into public view.”
The issue is not just limited to the victims of the assault, however, as the person who filmed the attack has allegedly received death threats for their actions as well, which are now being “looked into,” said the SAPS.
Keyword: N1 assault victims allegedly banned from speaking about attack