President Paul Mashatile
By Thabo Mosia
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has shared a chilling account of an incident where his convoy was targeted in an apparent assassination attempt, revealing that he initially thought the vehicle had been pelted with stones. It was only after a detailed inspection that he learned the truth: the sounds he heard were gunshots. Speaking to the media during a visit to the KwaSizabantu mission in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, Mashatile confirmed that an investigation is underway, though the motive behind the attack remains a mystery.
A Shocking Incident on the N12
The dramatic event unfolded on the N12 highway in Boksburg, Gauteng, as Mashatile was travelling home from an African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Birchwood Hotel in Johannesburg. An armed individual raised a firearm and fired shots at the convoy, striking one of the vehicles. Inside the bulletproof car, Mashatile mistook the impacts for something far less sinister. “You must have heard that the police are investigating. What happened is that as I was driving from the NEC, my car was hit by what initially I thought were stones,” he said.
It wasn’t until the convoy reached safety that the reality sank in. “When we got home, the protectors said the impact was too much, and they want to take it for checking because you know a bulletproof windscreen is too strong to be damaged. That’s why they are doing the investigation,” Mashatile explained. The bulletproof windscreen, a standard feature in vehicles used by high-ranking officials, held firm, ensuring his safety during the attack.
Investigation Kicks Off Amid Uncertainty
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Presidential Protection Unit have launched a joint probe into the shooting, treating it as a possible assassination attempt. Mashatile’s spokesperson, Keith Khoza, shed light on the incident, explaining that the matter had been kept under wraps initially to allow investigators to determine the type of firearm involved. “We can confirm that there was an incident involving the deputy president’s motorcade on the N12 highway. Shots were fired, but the deputy president is safe and was not harmed,” Khoza stated.
Police have remained tight-lipped about the investigation, declining to provide further comments due to its ongoing nature. However, early indications suggest that forensic teams are examining the vehicle for ballistic evidence, while authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage from the Boksburg area to identify the shooter. Despite the lack of clarity, Mashatile has downplayed any personal concerns. “They [police] are investigating, but for now there is nothing to worry about. Let’s focus on work,” he told reporters.
When pressed about the motive, Mashatile was candid: “I don’t know the motive for the shooting.” The absence of an apparent reason has only deepened the mystery surrounding the incident, leaving both the public and officials searching for answers.
A Calm Leader Under Pressure
Mashatile’s composure in the face of danger has been a focal point of the story. During his visit to the KwaSizabantu mission—a community hub known for its agricultural and social initiatives—he addressed the media with a steady resolve. “I’m not worried about my safety as I am properly protected, and nothing will deter me from continuing to do my job,” he said in a separate interview. His words reflect a determination to carry on with his duties, undeterred by the threat to his life.
As Deputy President, Mashatile plays a pivotal role in South Africa’s government, often acting as a bridge between the ANC’s leadership and the public. His trip to KwaZulu-Natal was part of a broader effort to connect with communities and promote unity, a mission that took on added significance in light of the recent attack.
Political Context and Security Concerns
The shooting has reignited discussions about the safety of South Africa’s political leaders, especially given the country’s history of political turbulence. The ANC NEC meeting, a high-stakes gathering of the party’s top brass, often tackles contentious issues like economic policy, factionalism, and leadership succession. While there’s no evidence directly tying the attack to the meeting’s outcomes, the timing has fuelled speculation about political motives.
South Africa has seen its share of politically charged violence in recent years. From the assassination of local councillors to attacks on activists, the nation’s political landscape can be a volatile one. Gauteng, in particular, is a hotspot for crime, with the N12 highway—a busy artery connecting Johannesburg and surrounding areas—known for incidents of robbery and carjacking. The attack on Mashatile’s convoy, however, stands out due to its targeted nature and the prominence of its intended victim.
Security experts have praised the effectiveness of the bulletproof vehicle, which likely saved Mashatile from harm. Yet, the incident has prompted questions about how the attacker managed to get close enough to fire at the convoy. The Presidential Protection Unit, responsible for safeguarding the country’s leaders, may face scrutiny as the investigation progresses.
A Nation on Edge
he broader implications of the shooting extend beyond Mashatile himself. South Africa grapples with high levels of violent crime, and incidents like this amplify public unease. According to recent statistics, Gauteng accounts for a significant portion of the country’s murders, armed robberies, and vehicle-related crimes. The attack on a figure as prominent as the Deputy President underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in curbing such threats.
Public reaction has been swift, with social media platforms buzzing with commentary. Posts on X have ranged from relief at Mashatile’s safety to frustration over the lack of arrests. One user remarked, “Shots fired at Mashatile’s convoy after an ANC meeting—thankfully he’s okay, but it’s a wake-up call for security.” Another highlighted his resilience: “Mashatile says he’s not fazed and will keep working. That’s leadership.”
The ANC has condemned the attack, labelling it a “direct assault on democracy” and calling for swift justice. Party leaders have urged South Africans to remain calm and trust in the investigative process, a message echoed by Mashatile himself during his KwaZulu-Natal appearance.
New Details Emerge
While the core details of the incident have been widely discussed, additional information has come to light that adds depth to the story. The N12 highway stretch where the shooting occurred is notorious for its congestion, particularly during evening hours when Mashatile’s convoy was travelling. This could have provided cover for the attacker, allowing them to blend into the flow of traffic before striking. Furthermore, the Birchwood Hotel, where the NEC meeting took place, is a well-known venue for political events, raising the possibility that the shooter tracked Mashatile’s movements from there.
Eyewitness accounts from motorists on the N12 at the time describe hearing loud bangs, though many assumed it was a car backfiring or road debris. The quick response of Mashatile’s protection team—ushering the convoy off the highway—likely prevented a more prolonged confrontation. These details paint a picture of a calculated yet opportunistic attack, one that exploited the chaos of a busy road.
What Happens Next?
As the investigation unfolds, authorities have appealed to the public for assistance. Anyone with information about suspicious activity along the N12 on the day of the shooting has been urged to come forward. Meanwhile, forensic analysis of the vehicle’s damage could provide critical clues, such as the calibre of the bullets or the angle of the shots, helping to reconstruct the incident.
For Mashatile, the focus remains on his work. His schedule in the coming weeks includes engagements on economic development and infrastructure projects—priorities he’s championed since taking office. His ability to project calm amid chaos has bolstered his reputation as a steady hand in a government often beset by challenges.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 102 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Hope for Matjhabeng as Executive Mayor Khalipha Rolls Out Plan for Renewal After ANC Reinstatement”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Central-News-Issue-102.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube