- Eight police officers of the Presidential Protection Service have been formally charged.
- The group faced a number of charges.
- They all covered their faces with masks and head coverings during the trial.
Eight Presidential Protective Services police officers caught on video assaulting motorists on Gauteng’s N1 highway, have been formally charged at Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The defendants – Shadrak Mulikatlin Kogoana, Yohannes Matome Mampuru, Pomso Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumitja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molivo Buchielo, Churchill Mbakamasini Mkhize, Lesipana Agry Rambao and Moses Fatwani Chidada – will face 12 charges.
The charges include pointing a firearm, reckless and negligent driving, malicious damage to property, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), obstruction of justice, and one count of assault by threat.
The group covered all of their faces with masks and hoods.
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Before the proceedings began in court on Monday morning, defense attorneys for the eight men opposed a media request for the proceedings to be recorded and televised.
They argued that their clients are afraid to reveal their identities for safety reasons, adding that their clients are responsible for providing protection to the vice president.
Eight members of the Presidential Protective Services Unit appeared for the first time in the Randburg Magistrates Court on Monday.
Alphonso Nkongana / News 24
Responding to the defense’s request, Judge Helengiwe Mkhabesi said the public has the right to learn and see what happened.
Makabisi agreed to the media request to film and record the procedures.
The court was expected to hear bail requests for the eight men.