Deputy President Paul Mashatile appears to have been the target of a shooting after his convoy was allegedly fired at several weeks ago. Mashatile was returning home from an ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg, Gauteng, at the time.
Mashatile confirmed the incident while speaking to the media in KwaZulu-Natal over the weekend.
“My car was hit by what I initially thought were stones. When we got home, my protectors said the impact was too much and decided to have the car examined. A bulletproof windscreen is too strong to be damaged like that, which is why an investigation is underway,” said Mashatile.
[WATCH]
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says he’s not worried about his safety as he is properly protected, and nothing will deter him from continuing to do his job. He confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the alleged shooting of his motorcade weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/cxadVfKEHJ— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 20, 2025
Despite the incident, Mashatile said he is not concerned about his safety and is instead confident in the protection provided by his security team. Police have since launched an official investigation into the matter.
The alleged attack has prompted concern from political parties, with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) issuing a statement condemning the incident. The EFF called the attack on the country’s second-in-command a serious threat to national security, criticising the lack of communication from the Presidency and state security agencies.
“What is equally troubling is the silence from the Presidency and state security agencies regarding the details of this incident. In times of such gravity, transparency is paramount. The public has the right to be informed about threats to national leaders, irrespective of political affiliations,” read the statement.
The party extended wishes of safety and strength to Mashatile, adding that protecting national leaders must transcend political differences.
