In a shocking incident that raises serious concerns about political safety, Deputy President Paul Mashatile's official vehicle was shot at on March 30, 2025, while he was traveling on the N12 highway from an African National Congress (ANC) national executive committee meeting in Boksburg, Gauteng. The attack has prompted widespread condemnation and calls for transparency from various political factions in South Africa.
Initially, Mashatile believed that the windscreen of his car had been damaged by stones. However, upon inspection after returning home, it was revealed that his vehicle had actually been struck by bullets. "You must have heard that the police are investigating. What really happened is that as I was driving from the NEC, my car was hit. Initially, I thought it were stones. When we got home, my protectors said the impact was too much," Mashatile recounted during a visit to the KwaSizabantu Mission in KwaZulu-Natal. "They wanted to take the car in to be checked because the bulletproof windscreen is strong and shouldn't be damaged that easily," he added.
Despite the severity of the incident, the ANC has stated it will not conduct its own investigation, opting instead to leave the matter to the police. ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri confirmed the party's awareness of the situation but emphasized that they would not interfere with the ongoing police investigation. "We are leaving everything to the state to investigate. We don't want to interfere with the police investigation," she stated.
Keith Khoza, Mashatile's spokesperson, had previously confirmed the shooting, noting that the incident was not made public earlier as investigators were working to determine the type of firearm used. Unconfirmed reports from the scene indicated that 12 spent cartridges were found, and Khoza confirmed that no injuries occurred due to the bulletproof nature of the vehicle.
The shooting has sparked outrage among political parties. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) described the attack as a "threat to national security," criticizing the lack of communication from the Presidency regarding the incident. The EFF stated, "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." They suggested that the apparent silence could be attributed to factionalism within the ANC.
Meanwhile, the South African Communist Party (SACP) condemned the attack, labeling it a direct assault on the country's democratic institutions. "This criminal act represents not only an assault on an individual but a direct attack on the democratic institutions of our republic. Such actions are intolerable and must be met with the full force of the law," the SACP stated. They expressed deep concern that the attack could signify a deterioration of political life in South Africa into violence and lawlessness.
As the investigation continues, the Presidential Protection Service has also become involved, with a police ballistic expert submitting a report to key government officials, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and National Police Commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola. However, police have refrained from commenting further on the matter, with National Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stating, "SAPS does not discuss or comment on the safety of the president, deputy president including cabinet members in a public domain."
Political analysts have noted that the incident raises serious questions about the safety of political leaders in South Africa, particularly as Mashatile is considered a potential candidate for the ANC presidency in 2027. Insiders have mentioned that names like Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula are also being discussed as contenders, but Mashatile’s current position gives him an edge.
In the wake of the shooting, South Africans have taken to social media to express their outrage and disbelief. Many are calling for immediate action from law enforcement to ensure the safety of political leaders. One user remarked, "We are not stupid. Stop imagining things. Imagine a DP get shot at and all media is not at the scene within 30 minutes. Paul Mashatile must go talk to trees. Sympathy for 2027 won't work with us." Another commented, "Mashatile is using a well-tested Msholozi playbook of positioning himself as a victim. I guess next he'll be shouting: ‘state institutions are being used against me.’"
As the investigation unfolds, the ANC, EFF, and SACP are all calling for accountability, urging law enforcement to identify and apprehend those responsible for the shooting. The SACP reiterated, "While we commend the swift response of the South African Police Service and the involvement of ballistic experts in investigating this matter, it is imperative that those responsible are identified and brought to justice promptly."
The attack on Deputy President Mashatile not only highlights the dangers faced by political figures in South Africa but also raises broader concerns about the state of political discourse and safety in the nation. With tensions running high and potential candidates for future leadership positions emerging, the impact of this incident may resonate far beyond the immediate investigation.
