South Africans ae demanding justice after the blue light brigade assault Photo Pexels
South Africa – An investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) is underway after a video showing the vicious assault of motorists by Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s security unit began trending online. The video shows at least six blue light brigade members dragging three people, who are military trainees, from their car before assaulting them.
For years citizens of the country have had to put up with the blue light brigade’s disregard for the law. This video is just part of the countless incidents which shows how these members operate without impunity and consider themselves above the law. It sheds light on their perceived invincibility and the belief they are a law unto themselves, said Layton Beard from Automobile Association (AA).
“It’s absolutely deplorable. It’s backyard, schoolyard violence. It’s thuggery. It shows the level to which these people have dipped … It’s an absolutely shocking video and every South African should be super concerned about what they see … These people operate with this very heightened sense of impunity. When you’re driving the deputy president and you’re part of his cavalcade, I’m sure that there is a certain sense of invincibility that you have, given the fact that you’re driving the second most powerful person in the country around. That doesn’t give anybody any right to commit the type of violent crime that we saw.
Impunity and the need for accountability
One of the reasons behind the blue light brigade’s sense of invincibility is the lack of consequences for their actions. While internal processes within the South African Police Service (SAPS) may initiate an investigation, the ultimate outcome and the message it sends to the public remain uncertain. To restore faith in the justice system, this case should be subjected to an open judicial process, ensuring transparency and demonstrating that justice is being served.
“They absolutely think they’re above the law and I think part of the reason for that is the fact that when the story broke there was the suggestion that internal SAPS processes would take the process further. Well that’s great but you know they are going to be suspended probably with pay. What’s going to happen further from that? It needs to be an open judicial process. You know people must see that justice is being done. Will that happen? I don’t know.”
The role model dilemma
Politicians and their bodyguards should serve as role models for society, inspiring respect and admiration. However, the current behaviour displayed by some members of the blue light brigade presents a stark contrast to this ideal. Instead of upholding law and order, they engage in thuggish behaviour that tarnishes their reputation and sets a terrible example for young people.
Apart from the assault by the blue light brigade, South Africa already faces numerous road-related crimes. Irresponsible youth engaging in activities such as throwing rocks at passing vehicles and subsequently robbing drivers have become a distressing occurrence. In this context, the recent incident with the blue light brigade exacerbates an already worrisome situation.
“I think just the message to South Africans is we are above the law. We can act as we want and you better step in line, and if you don’t, this is what’s going to happen to you. It’s an incredibly sad message to send. Youngsters and people from abroad looking at this are just going to get such a [terrible] view of the way that we conduct ourselves.”
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Road safety measures
As concerned citizens, it is vital to prioritise road safety and adopt responsible behaviour on the streets. While the law mandates giving way to emergency vehicles with activated sirens and lights, the issue becomes more complex when dealing with the blue light brigade. Though they may not be responding to emergencies, their urgency and strict schedules can create challenging situations for other drivers.
“Our advice to people is move over [when they see the blue light brigade]. It may be counterintuitive for you to do so but if you are able to do so and it’s safe for you to do so, then yes, you need to move over. That’s what the law requires you to do and that’s what you should do. The problem comes in when you have these blue light brigades sitting on your tail, flashing their lights, hooting, screaming, showing their firearms to you, being generally belligerent and you’ve got nowhere to go… That’s when the situation is going to escalate but then cooler heads need to prevail. The people who need to take charge of that, are obviously the people with firearms, the police. Not the person in the car.”
Reaction from South Africans to the blue light brigade
South Africans have not taken this incident lightly with many like Jacob Baker, a concerned road user who has also been in a similar situation, calling for the security unit to face the full might of the law and even worse.
“This is extremely unacceptable. It doesn’t matter what those people did. Those VIP members cannot go around assaulting people in that manner. One of the victims was laying on the floor, out cold and he was still being beaten. How can you stomp on a man’s head while he is unconscious? This kind of brutality must be dealt with. The deputy must also answer to the public. He cannot wait for investigations. It is time to show he cares about the people of this country and do something, even if it means firing them now. Something is better than nothing. We want to see real action and even jail time for these thugs.”
Social media has not been quiet either with many voicing their complaints and demanding justice be swift and deadly and wondering how many attacks like these have gone unreported simply because it wasn’t captured on video.
What concerns me even more than the blue light brigade incident, is what if there wasn’t a video taken? What about the 99% cases where there are no witnesses & videos?
— White Lion II (NDDN) Wittoslav Lionovski (@WhiteLionII1) July 4, 2023
Let’s be clear:
If a citizen does not move out of the way for a blue light brigade, they can never be assaulted by @SAPoliceService members for not doing so.The narrative coming out of the SA police unions is very worrying and illuminating regarding the culture within the…
— Marguerite Doig Gander 🇿🇦 (@margieMYDNA) July 4, 2023
One of the scariest things driving is if you happen to be on the road when a Blue Light Brigade comes by. They are reckless & try to intimidate you…for what? Power & Control. They feel they are above the law. They have no purpose other than control you w/ fear. https://t.co/wHL8t23TOR
— Amy Panikowski (@AmyPanikowski) July 4, 2023
Banning the blue light brigade thugs should be a litmus test for South African political parties – your job is to serve. Your time is not more important than ours – and if you allow your staff to act this way – you should join them in jail. https://t.co/1yPlyrDP5g
— Don Miguel (@Michail_Shapiro) July 3, 2023
The assault perpetrated by the blue light brigade is an alarming incident that sheds light on the abuse of power and the need for accountability within South Africa’s political landscape. It is crucial that justice prevails through an open judicial process, showcasing the country’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. Moreover, this incident should serve as a wake-up call to address the prevalent thuggery and road crimes plaguing South African society. By promoting responsible behaviour and setting positive examples, we can strive to create a safer and more respectful environment.
