Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Court Rules Mashatile VIP Officers Must Stand Trial on Assault and Property Damage Charges

The magistrate rejected a bid to dismiss the case after finding the evidence sufficient, highlighting a contrast with a prior SAPS disciplinary acquittal.

Overview

  • Randburg Magistrate Abdul Khan dismissed a Section 174 application, ruling the eight former VIP Protection Unit officers have a case to answer.
  • All eight will proceed on assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property related to the July 2023 N1 incident.
  • Only four accused will face charges for allegedly pointing a firearm, and two—identified as Lesibana Rambau and Johannes Mampuru—will face negligent driving charges.
  • The court acquitted all on defeating the ends of justice and said the evidence supports a finding that the accused acted in common purpose in the assault.
  • Trial testimony is scheduled for 23–27 March 2026, the accused remain on R10,000 bail each, and Action Society criticized SAPS for previously clearing them after rejecting the video evidence.