Paul Mashatile Explains 'shooting' Incident On His Car: 'i Thought It Was Stones'
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has confirmed that investigations are underway into the alleged shooting of his car.
According to media reports, the incident happened at the end of March as he was being driven home from an African National Congress ANC National Executive Committee NEC meeting held in Boksburg, Gauteng.
The Deputy President was reportedly in the vehicle that was allegedly shot at.
Paul Mashatile on shooting of his carSpeaking to journalists after a church service in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday 20 April, Mashatile said he was safe, well protected and there was nothing to worry about.
"What really happened is that as I was driving from the NEC, my car was hit by what initially I thought was stones and when we got home, the protectors said the impact is too much, so they want to take it for checking, because you know a bullet proof wind screen is too strong to be damaged and that's why they are doing the investigation," he explained.
The South African Police Service SAPS has declined to confirm or deny the alleged incident.
"The SAPS does not discuss or comment on safety and security aspects concerning the President, the Deputy President including cabinet members in the public domain, national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told IOL .
Mashatiles official motorcade and protectors have been in the spotlight in recent months. Some of his protection officers are facing assault charges following an incident on the N1 highway in 2023.
Earlier this month, Democratic Alliance DA councillor Annette Deppe claimed the Deputy Presidents motorcade was filmed driving on the wrong side of the N9 road in Midrand, Gauteng.
"What could possibly warrant the presence of six flashing light vehicles, especially as they navigate provincial roads in a manner that endangers public safety? Deppe asked.