Deputy President Paul Mashatile was reportedly the target of a shocking attempted assassination earlier this month, prompting heightened security concerns and a full-scale investigation by South African authorities.
According to official reports, one of Mashatile’s official convoy vehicles came under fire while traveling on the N12 highway near Boksburg. The incident occurred shortly after the Deputy President had attended an African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee meeting. Fortunately, Mashatile was not in the vehicle that was hit, and no injuries were reported.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Presidential Protection Unit have launched a joint investigation into the attack. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no suspects have been apprehended so far.
This disturbing event follows a series of controversies involving Mashatile’s security detail. In mid-2023, members of his protection team were caught on camera assaulting civilians on a Johannesburg highwayan incident that led to widespread public outrage and disciplinary action against the officers involved.
Adding to the political turbulence, there have also been attempts to implicate Mashatile in criminal proceedings through allegedly fabricated evidence. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) recently dismissed allegations of perjury against him, citing that the claims were based on a fake WhatsApp recording.
Despite the recent attack and surrounding controversies, Deputy President Mashatile has continued his official duties, including recent engagements in KwaZulu-Natal as part of the ANC’s Easter programme.
The attempted assassination has sparked renewed debate about the safety of South Africa’s top officials, especially in a time marked by rising political tensions and internal power struggles within the ruling party.
Authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information related to the attack, as investigations remain ongoing.
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