Deputy President
By Thabo Mosia
The security detail for Deputy President Paul Mashatile has been reinforced following a shooting incident involving his convoy. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Presidential Protection Service (PPS) have launched a high-level investigation into the attack, which occurred on the N12 highway in Gauteng. While the Deputy President escaped unharmed, the incident has sparked concerns about the safety of top officials. SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has reassured the public that both the President and Deputy President are well-protected, with Crime Intelligence conducting ongoing risk assessments. Provincial Chairperson Zamani Saul has dismissed claims of an assassination attempt, questioning the motive behind targeting a leader from a party with declining support.
Shooting Incident Shocks the Nation
On the night of 31 March 2025, Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s convoy was attacked while travelling on the N12 highway near Boksburg, Gauteng. The incident took place around 22:40, shortly after Mashatile attended an African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. Gunfire struck the vehicle carrying the Deputy President three times, but he emerged unscathed due to the quick response of his PPS team, who ensured his safety without engaging the attackers.
Mashatile initially mistook the gunfire for stones hitting the car. It was only later, during a vehicle inspection, that bullet marks were discovered. He first spoke publicly about the incident on 20 April 2025, while visiting the KwaSizabantu Mission in KwaZulu-Natal. The attack was kept under wraps until then, adding to the public’s surprise and concern. The SAPS has since confirmed the incident, with a ballistic report already completed and a high-level investigation team working to uncover the truth.
Security Measures Beefed Up
Following the shooting, SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola acted swiftly to reinforce the security details for both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Mashatile. On 22 April 2025, Police National Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe released a statement addressing the nation’s concerns. “The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola takes this opportunity to assure the nation that the executive of the country, including the President and the Deputy President, are in safe hands,” she said.
Mathe highlighted the professionalism of the PPS, stating, “Members of the Presidential Protection Service (PPS) who are assigned to both the President and the Deputy President are trained to a high level of skill and possess the necessary expertise and capabilities to avert any risk and threat.” She added that the resources allocated to protect the executive are “adequate and designed to prevent any direct and imminent threat on their lives.” Although security details are typically kept confidential, Masemola felt it necessary to reassure the public after the incident.
The bolstered security includes additional PPS personnel and advanced protective strategies. Crime Intelligence is also stepping up its efforts, conducting regular risk and threat assessments to stay ahead of potential dangers. Masemola praised the PPS for their dedication, expressing gratitude for their handling of the situation.
Political Leaders Weigh In
The incident has sparked varied reactions from political figures. ANC Provincial Chairperson Zamani Saul has rejected suggestions that the shooting was an assassination attempt. “We had 70% support in the country, nobody tried before to kill a Deputy President, why would someone in their right mind now try to kill a Deputy President of a 40% party?” he remarked, pointing to the ANC’s reduced popularity in recent years.
The ANC’s electoral support has indeed dropped, with the party securing just over 40% of the vote in the 2024 national elections—a sharp decline from its historical dominance. Saul’s comments suggest the attack may not be politically motivated, though speculation persists. Some believe it could be tied to internal ANC tensions or rivalries with other parties, though no concrete evidence has surfaced.
Opposition voices have also chimed in, with calls for greater transparency about the incident. Political analysts note that the shooting has fuelled debates about the state of security for South Africa’s leaders, especially as the country approaches the 2026 elections.
Mashatile Stays Focused Amid Chaos
Deputy President Mashatile has taken the incident in stride, maintaining a calm and focused approach. Speaking at the KwaSizabantu Mission, he addressed the shooting briefly, saying, “I don’t know the motive for the shooting, but for now, there is nothing to worry about. Let’s focus on work.” His measured response has been praised as a sign of steady leadership under pressure.
Mashatile also expressed confidence in his security team, noting their swift actions during the attack. His refusal to dwell on the incident has helped ease public fears, though many remain eager for answers as the investigation unfolds.
A Troubled Past for VIP Protection
This isn’t the first time Mashatile’s security has made headlines. In July 2023, members of his VIP Protection Unit were caught on camera assaulting civilians on the N1 highway in Johannesburg. The incident drew widespread criticism and led to the suspension of eight PPS officers. At the time, Mashatile condemned the violence, stating he opposed any unnecessary use of force.
The 2023 controversy put a spotlight on the PPS’s conduct, with some questioning its training and oversight. However, the recent shooting has shifted attention to the unit’s protective role, with the reinforcement of Mashatile’s security detail seen as a critical step to prevent future threats.
Political Violence: A Growing Concern
The attack on Mashatile’s convoy has reignited fears about political violence in South Africa. While assassinations of national leaders are rare, the country has seen a rise in politically motivated killings, particularly at the municipal level. Disputes over power, tenders, and factionalism have often turned deadly in recent years.
The shooting has prompted warnings that such violence could climb the ranks, threatening the stability of the national government. With the ANC facing internal divisions and external challenges, the incident has added urgency to calls for stronger measures to combat political unrest.
General Masemola has vowed to crack down on those behind the attack, stressing that any threat to the executive is a threat to the state. The SAPS is working tirelessly to ensure justice is served and to deter future incidents.
Investigation in Full Swing
The SAPS has assembled a high-level team to investigate the shooting, with early findings already shedding light on the attack. The completed ballistic report confirmed the use of firearms, but the identity and motive of the perpetrators remain unknown. Crime Intelligence is playing a key role, analyzing potential threats and monitoring risks to the executive.
Brigadier Mathe emphasized the seriousness of the investigation, stating, “The incident remains under investigation with a high level team assigned to investigate this case.” The SAPS has appealed to the public for information, urging anyone with details to come forward.
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