South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile has disclosed that he was the target of an attempted assassination after gunmen opened fire on his motorcade, striking his vehicle multiple times. The harrowing incident occurred on March 31, shortly after Mashatile left a national executive meeting of the African National Congress (ANC) in Boksburg. The news, initially kept under wraps, came to light through a Sunday newspaper report.
Describing the moment he realised something was awry, Mashatile recounted: “What really happened is that as I was driving from the NEC, my car was hit by what initially I thought were stones.” His false sense of security was shattered when his security detail revealed the severity of the situation upon their return home. “When we got home, the protectors (security team) said the impact was too much, they took the vehicle for checking because you know a bulletproof windscreen is too strong to be damaged, and that’s why they are doing the investigation,” he explained.
Sitting within the confines of his armoured ride, Mashatile’s spokesperson, Keith Khoza, confirmed that no fewer than six bullets had penetrated the vehicle’s bulletproof windscreen. The audacity of the attack raises concerns about the safety of high-profile politicians in South Africa, especially given the increasing rates of political violence and crime in the country.
Despite the traumatic experience, Mashatile conveyed a resolute stance, indicating that he would not reduce his public engagements, stating confidently: “I’m well protected.” The vice president, appearing unshaken by the gunmen’s brazen assault, demonstrated his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities within the government even in the face of danger.
As investigators begin to piece together the details surrounding this shocking incident, South Africa watches closely. The implications of an assassination attempt on such a prominent figure underscore the urgent need for enhanced security measures amid a mounting climate of political instability.