Mbalula calls for the blame to be taken off Mashatile for “Blue Light Bullies”

Fikile Mbalula has come guns blazing in support of its Deputy President, Paul Mashatile. This is following what has been backlash and widespread condemnation of his VIP Protection officials, who have since coined the name “Blue Light Bullies”.

Speaking at a media briefing at the party’s headquarters on Wednesday, Mbalula expressed the party’s condemnation of what it describes as “road rage” involving SAPS officials.

According to Mbalula, the ANC was “alarmed by the news of a road rage incident involving members of the SAPS assigned to protect Cabinet members”, adding that their behavior was cowardly and against what is expected of the SAPS.

He further called for IPID to investigate the incident and suspend the perpetrators immediately, adding that the ANC believes that the law should take its course.

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MBALULA SAYS PEOPLE SHOULD STOP BLAMING MASHATILE

Paul Mashatile has been at the helm of controversy following the incident, but Mbalula has said that people should stop placing the blame on Mashatile and the party.

According to Mbalula, Mashatile is not responsible for deploying his own VIP Protection Unit, and should not be blamed for its behaviour.

He further called for it to be looked at to see whether Mashatile was in danger when the incident took place. This is despite Mashatile’s spokesperson Vukani Mde expressing that the Deputy President was not in any of the vehicles that are seen in the widely circulated video.

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WHAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE VIDEO EMERGED?

Following the video, it has since emerged that four of the officers who were a part of Mashatile’s protection personnel have been suspended.

This is following a series of assault cases that have been opened against them by the three victims shown in the video, who have since been revealed as South African Defense Force (SANDF) trainees.

According to the national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the four officers were served with suspension notices, of which they are expected to prove why they should not be suspended under the circumstances.

With the incident still fresh in the minds of citizens who viewed the video, many will wait in anticipation to see whether justice will be served.

ALSO READ: VIP Protection unit who assaulted motorist identified as Mashatile’s