Driver Brutally Assaulted by Armed VIP Protection Officers in Viral Video Mistook it for a Hijacking

A Joburg highway assault victim thought he was being hijacked as he recounted the horrifying incident where the SAPS VIP Protection Unit members assaulted him. L’vaughn Fisher, a South African National Defence Force member, spoke to Action Society about his injuries, including a swollen jaw and bruises on his head and face after being struck with an assault rifle, as reported by IOL.

Action Society has taken up his case, assisting him with pursuing criminal and potential civil charges against the officers involved, relevant commanders and Police Minister Bheki Cele. A video capturing the assault has gone viral on social media, showing a group of heavily armed men disembarking from black BMW X5s, dragging Fisher from his vehicle and subjecting him to physical violence.

Also read: Joburg Highway Assault Victims Identified as Members of SANDF

Even as Fisher lay motionless on the ground, the assailants also targeted two military trainees who were passengers. The perpetrators, who serve as the protection detail for South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, subsequently left the scene. Fisher describes being hit and kicked multiple times and shares that he initially believed the attackers were hijackers and continued driving. The absence of flashing blue lights or sirens on the BMWs gave him no reason to suspect they were law enforcement.

Eventually forced to the side of the N1 highway, Fisher endured further violence as the officers used an assault rifle to break the back window of his vehicle and gain access to him. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has filed charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, pointing of a firearm, and malicious damage to property against the VIP protection officers at the Sandton police station.

Also read: Four VIP Protection Unit Officers Face Suspension Following Internal Investigation

Intent to suspend letters have also been issued to the officers, allowing them to provide reasons why they should not face suspension as per labour procedures, according to National SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

Also read:

Concerns Raised Over the Actions of Brutal Blue Light Brigade

Picture: Twitter / thepoliticalhil

Follow us on Google News.