‘Highly trained and equipped’ – SAPS stands by Protection Service after Mashatile convoy incident

Mashatile

Johannesburg – South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has moved to assure the nation that the country’s top executives are under tight security, three weeks after a shooting incident involving Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s convoy.

Mashatile narrowly escaped harm after his convoy was fired upon while en route from an ANC NEC meeting in Boksburg, Gauteng – an incident that remained concealed from the public for nearly three weeks.

Bullets struck his official vehicle three times on the N12 highway, though he was unharmed.

In a statement, Masemola confirmed that members of the Presidential Protection Service (PPS) assigned to both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Mashatile are “trained to a high level of skill” and are fully equipped to counter any threats.

The public assurance follows national concern over the safety of the executive following the confirmed attack on Mashatile’s motorcade. While no injuries were reported, the incident sparked renewed scrutiny over security protocols for South Africa’s leadership.

“The executive of the country, including the President and the Deputy President, are in safe hands,” said Masemola. “The resources assigned to safeguard the executive are adequate and designed to prevent any direct and imminent threat on their lives.”

Masemola confirmed that an extensive investigation into the shooting is underway, with the ballistics report already completed. A high-level team has been assigned to the case, and Crime Intelligence is continuing with regular risk and threat assessments for both principals.

Security has since been reinforced for the President and Deputy President, a move the commissioner described as “necessary” under the current climate. He also commended the PPS members for their handling of the situation.

Although SAPS typically refrains from discussing specific security measures, the Commissioner said the decision to publicly address the matter was made in the interest of national assurance.

The shooting incident, whose motive remains unclear, has prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability in executive security management.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, for example, called the incident a “threat to national security” and criticised the silence from both the Presidency and state security agencies, suggesting that the cover-up may be linked to ANC factionalism.

“In times of such gravity, transparency is paramount. The public has the right to be informed about threats to national leaders, irrespective of political affiliations,” the  said in a statement.

“While internal dynamics within the ANC may be complex due to extreme factionalism, the safety and security of our nation’s leadership transcend partisan lines. We, therefore urge the relevant authorities to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding this incident and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”

Political analysts have also raised concerns about what the attack could signify for South Africa’s broader security landscape ahead of next year’s general elections.

As the investigation continues, the nation awaits further details on the suspects involved and the findings of the high-level probe.

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