Cape Town – The acquittal of all eight members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) VIP Protection Unit, who were charged with assaulting a civilian on the N1, has ignited significant outrage from Parliament, which has condemned it as a “shame and miscarriage of justice.”

Two years prior, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) arrested these eight officers, previously linked to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, after a viral video surfaced showing them assaulting a civilian on the N1.

IPID brought forth numerous charges against the officers, including assault, malicious damage to property, and unlawful discharge of a firearm.

Nevertheless, SAPS has cleared all eight officers of the offenses caught on camera in 2023.

The accused VIP Protection officers—Shadrack Molekatlane Kojoana, Johannes Matome Mampuru, Posmo Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molefo Boshielo, Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize, Lesiba Aggrie Ramabu, and Moses Fhatuwani—remain on R10,000 bail each.

In reaction to the unexpected ruling on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police in Parliament, expressed his “shock and dismay” regarding the acquittal.

The chairperson labeled the ruling as “shameful, indefensible, and immoral.”

Cameron remarked, “The acquittal of the [VIP Protection] members is not only a miscarriage of justice but also tarnishes the name and image of the SAPS.”

He further added, “This decision reinforces the public perception that SAPS officers operate above the law.”

“It lacks any legal and moral justification and deserves reconsideration,” he urged.

He cautioned that such rulings, amidst an already widening trust gap between the police and the public, could further harm the delicate relationship shared with the community.

“Moreover, this ruling strengthens the committee’s long-held view that SAPS’s internal disciplinary processes are ineffective and favor rogue officers,” Cameron emphasized.

“This also intensifies the public’s perception of a complete lack of accountability within the SAPS.”

Cameron illustrated that this case represented “a thief caught with the stolen goods,” as clear evidence was presented showing officers attacking a defenseless civilian with high-caliber firearms.

He pointed out that the portfolio committee had previously expressed concerns about the sluggish pace of disciplinary procedures, feeling the outcome resembled a poorly executed tick-box exercise.

“This ruling conveys the wrong message to all South Africans about the absence of recourse when SAPS members misuse their power,” declared Cameron.

“It reveals a SAPS that shows no empathy nor concern for victims of abuse, prioritizing the protection of its own over serving citizens.”

He also noted that labor unions have contributed to delaying the case, hindering due process.

“This was not due process but a bureaucratic weaponization funded by taxpayers. It is even more frustrating that SAPS incurred over R112,000 just for the Chairperson’s expenses, which can be deemed fruitless and wasteful,” Cameron asserted.

The chairperson announced plans to write to the police minister and the national commissioner seeking an explanation for this outcome, advocating for the nation and the victims.

He indicated that the committee would consider legislative reforms to limit abuses of internal processes within SAPS and reduce the obstructive influence of unions in misconduct cases.

“We cannot accept a SAPS that shields criminals in uniform,” Cameron declared.

“We will not remain silent while the rule of law is disregarded behind closed doors.”