IPID
1Min
South Africa
Nov 6, 2025
The Randburg Magistrate’s Court has dismissed an application by eight former VIP protection officers of Deputy President Paul Mashatile to have their assault charges dropped. The trial will proceed in March 2026, with IPID welcoming the decision as a step toward accountability for the alleged 2023 highway assault.
The Randburg Magistrate’s Court has dismissed an application by eight former members of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s VIP protection unit to have their assault charges withdrawn. The officers, who were caught on camera allegedly attacking civilians on the N1 highway in 2023, will now have to stand trial for multiple charges including assault, malicious damage to property, and pointing of firearms.
The court on Thursday rejected a Section 174 application brought by the defence at the close of the state’s case. The application is a legal procedure that allows accused persons to request that charges be dismissed if they believe the prosecution has failed to produce enough evidence to support a conviction.
Magistrate Mpho Mokoena ruled that the state had presented sufficient evidence for the case to proceed, meaning all eight accused will continue to face trial. The decision was welcomed by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which has been handling the matter since the video of the assault circulated widely on social media in July 2023.
The accused; Shadrack Kojoana, Johannes Mampuru, Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja, Phineas Boshielo, Churchill Mkhize, Lesibana Rambau, and Moses Tshidada were part of the SAPS VIP Presidential Protection Unit at the time of the alleged assault. The men were recorded beating and kicking two off-duty soldiers on the N1 highway near the William Nicol off-ramp in Johannesburg, while some of them allegedly pointed firearms at the victims.
The footage caused public outrage and led to a criminal investigation by IPID. The officers were suspended following the incident and later charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property, and other related offences.
IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping told South African Daily that the ruling was a step forward in ensuring accountability and justice for the victims. “IPID welcomes the court’s decision to dismiss the Section 174 application. We believe the evidence before the court is strong enough to support the charges, and we remain committed to ensuring that law enforcement officers are held to the same standard as any other citizens,” said Shuping.
According to the court ruling, all eight accused will continue to face charges of malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. In addition, Boshielo, Mkhize, and Tshidada face charges of pointing a firearm, while Mampuru and Rambau face additional counts of reckless and negligent driving.
The trial will continue from 23 to 27 March 2026, when the defence will present its case. The state had earlier called several witnesses, including the alleged victims and investigating officers, who detailed the events of 2 July 2023.
