VIP protection cops plead not guilty to N1 assault

• Published date: 07 May 2024
• Publication title: Herald, The (Port Elizabeth, South Africa)

Shadrack Kojoana, Johannes Mampuru, Pomso Mofokeng, Harmans Ramokhonami, Phineas Boshielo, Churchill Mkhize, Lesibana Rambau and Moses Tshidada face 11 counts, including assault, malicious damage to property, discharging a firearm, contravening the Road Traffic Act, reckless and negligent driving, and attempting to defeat the ends of justice

It is alleged these were the men caught on camera in July 2023 beating and kicking a motorist and two passengers on the N1 near the Winnie Mandela Drive off-ramp.

A video of the incident went viral on social media.

The eight men, then part of deputy president Paul Masha-tile’s protection squad, have all returned to work after they were granted bail of R10,000 each in August.

An application was granted during the bail application to live-stream and broadcast proceedings, but magistrate Abdul Khan said yesterday this ruling no longer applied for the trial.

Khan allowed media coverage of...