The accused earlier in court (August 2023) (Photo: Anja van der Merwe/Maroela Media)
The long-awaited criminal trial against eight members of deputy pres. Paul Mashatile’s presidential protection unit – the so-called “blue light mafia” – will continue in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court next week.
This follows after the court found the accused’s art. 174 application to dismiss.
Although certain charges against some of the accused have been dropped, the eight men still have to answer to the most serious allegations against them. These include charges of malicious damage to property as well as assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
Juanita du Preez, national spokesperson for Action Society, says the court’s decision is an important turning point in the case.
“This ruling is extremely important because it confirms that the most serious charges, including assault with intent to seriously injure, will be properly tested in court.
“The court ruled that there is enough evidence to which the accused must answer, which means that the justice system will not simply allow this action to remain without consequences,” says Du Preez.
On 28 March it will be exactly 1,000 days since the shocking incident took place on 3 July 2023 on the N1 in Johannesburg.
Footage of members of the BNP protection services convoy violently assaulting civilians on the side of the road spread like wildfire at the time and sparked anger across the country.
Action Society says it will be present in court in the coming week to ensure that the victims’ voices are heard.
“The public saw with their own eyes what happened that day on the highway. It is almost three years later, and South Africans are still waiting for accountability. This trial is about much more than just one incident; it is about whether justice will finally be served against those who abused their power to terrorize ordinary people.”
In addition to the assault charge, several of the accused must also answer to charges of reckless and negligent driving, while firearm-related charges against three of the men remain in force.
According to Du Preez, this is a crucial period for the South African legal system to show its backbone.
“We are now at a critical crossroads where the legal system must prove that no one is above the law, not even those who are supposed to protect the public.
“The fact that we are approaching the 1,000 day mark reminds us that the road to justice is long, but we will not stop until there is full accountability.”