Africa-Press – South-Africa. One of the victims who was injured in an attack by eight Presidential Protection Services police officers in July will be claiming R1.15 million in damages from the South African Police Service.
According to lobby group Action Society, it will be assisting the driver of the Volkswagen Polo in laying a civil claim against Police Minister Bheki Cele and the police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.
Speaking to News24, Action Society director of community safety Ian Cameron said they were still waiting for a date from the court, and that court papers would probably be served to Cele and Masemola within the next five working days.
“The driver has given us the mandate to represent him for this civil case, and we will also be doing oversight on his behalf for the criminal matter against the several policemen,” said Cameron.
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“We are in constant contact with IPID [Independent Policing Investigative Directorate], also with the internal inspectorate of the police, and on the criminal matter side, we are pushing for the investigation to be done properly.”
In July, eight officers attached to the police’s VIP unit protecting Deputy President Paul Mashatile were arrested after they were caught on camera assaulting motorists on the N1 in Johannesburg.
The accused – Shadrack Molekatlane Kojoana, Johannes Matome Mampuru, Pomso Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molefo Boshielo, Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize, Lesibana Aggrie Rambau and Moses Fhatuwani Tshidada – face 12 charges.
The charges include pointing of a firearm, reckless and negligent driving, malicious damage to property, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, obstruction of justice, and assault by way of threat. Their cases have been postponed to 9 November for further investigation.
READ: VIP attack: Officers charged with assault GBH, pointing of firearm, and obstruction of justice
According to Action Society, the amount that will be claimed is made up of past hospital and medical expenses amounting to R50 000; future hospital, medical and related costs of R100 000; and general damages of R1 million for pain, suffering, inconvenience, disability, loss of amenities of life, physical scarring, disfigurement, emotional disturbance, shock and psychological trauma.
News24 contacted both Cele and Masemola for comment. They will added once received.
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