THE eight VIP protection officers linked to the assault incident on the N1 have distanced themselves from the messages sent via WhatsApp, threatening the person who shared the video on social media.
Their lawyers revealed this through an affidavit presented in the Randburg Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 26 July.
The officers are seeking bail. They are facing 12 charges which include three counts of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, one count of an attempt to defeat the administration of justice, assault by way of threats, four counts of pointing a firearm, two counts of malicious damage to property, and one count of reckless and negligent driving.
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The lawyer of accused 2, 3 and 4, Johannes Matome Mampuru, Pomso Joseph Mofokeng, and Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Xabiso Shotshonganye read out affidavits stating that his clients didn't know the witness and had no knowledge of the message sent to threaten the witness.
In his bail bids for one of his clients, Shotshonganye, he said his client cannot be kept in custody as the matter is still under investigation.
He said his client always abides by the traffic rules.
"This is based on speculation because I have always abided by the traffic rules, and if I did not, as it is alleged, I should have a stream of charges," Shotshonganye read the affidavit.
The lawyers of the eight accused will get a chance to view the video, which went viral, showing the VIP protection officers allegedly assaulting the driver and three passengers on Thursday, 27 July.
Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe urged the officers to take off their masks as this will help to identify the officers who were seen in the video.
The video will be viewed in the absence of the media.
