‘I was protecting Mashatile’: Former VIP bodyguard defends actions in ‘blue lights’ trial
📰 Original article: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-03-24-i-was-protecting-mashatile-vi…
Fact-Check Results
“Paul Mashatile’s VIP guards are finally giving their version of events three years after the incident.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence found in archive to confirm or refute claims about Paul Mashatile's VIP guards testifying three years after an incident.
“Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize denied assault allegations against him.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence found in archive to confirm or refute claims about Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize denying assault allegations.
“A blue Polo vehicle was observed driving faster than the convoy on 2 July 2023.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence found in archive to confirm or refute claims about a blue Polo vehicle overtaking the convoy on 2 July 2023.
“Mkhize used hand gestures and verbal commands to signal the driver to slow down.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence found in archive to confirm or refute claims about Mkhize using hand gestures to signal the driver.
“The driver of the blue Polo vehicle gave a thumbs-up but did not stop.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence found in archive to confirm or refute claims about the blue Polo driver giving a thumbs-up but not stopping.
“The convoy boxed in the blue Polo vehicle, which then moved toward the Deputy President’s car.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence found in archive to confirm or refute claims about the convoy boxing in the blue Polo vehicle and its movement toward the Deputy President’s car.
“An alleged victim claimed he did not see blue lights or sirens from the convoy before being forced off the road.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence found in archive to confirm or refute claims about an alleged victim’s statement regarding blue lights/sirens from the convoy.
“Mkhize testified that the vehicle occupants refused to comply, leading to the decision to break the window.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence found in archive to confirm or refute claims about Mkhize testifying that vehicle occupants refused to comply.
“Mkhize stated that breaking the window was a last resort and he did not assault anyone.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence found in archive to confirm or refute claims about Mkhize stating breaking the window was a last resort and no assault occurred.
“The Deputy President’s spokesperson stated Mashatile was not in the vehicles involved in the incident.”
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INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
— No evidence found in archive to confirm or refute claims about the Deputy President’s spokesperson stating Mashatile was not in the incident vehicles.
“The accused face charges of pointing a firearm, malicious damage to property, reckless driving, and assault with intent to cause grievous harm.”
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PENDING
“The trial is ongoing.”
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PENDING
“The accused filed a Section 174 application to dismiss charges, but the magistrate ruled there was sufficient evidence to proceed.”
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PENDING