The SA National Defence Force (SANDF) has reportedly prohibited the motorists assaulted by the police’s VIP unit on the N1 in Johannesburg, who are its employees, from speaking to anyone about the attack unless a general is present, even after hours.
News24 reports that this is according to civil organisation Action Society, which is representing one of the victims in civil litigation to be pursued against the police.
Action Society’s legal representative, Daniël Eloff, is quoted as saying: ‘In terms of South African law and the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, the SANDF has no jurisdiction to inhibit the victims or any individual from expressing their views or recounting their experiences outside of work hours and off military premises.’
Eloff adds: ‘More importantly, one would expect the upper echelons of the defence force to stand by its members, supporting them in their time of need rather than aiding in the protection of the alleged assailants from the SAPS VIP Unit.
‘The truth must be brought to light, and the victims have every right to bring their personal experiences into public view.’