South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reportedly survived a suspected assassination attempt after gunmen opened fire on his official bulletproof vehicle along the N12 highway. The incident occurred as Mashatile and his security convoy were returning from an ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg.
According to reports, the deputy president’s car was struck by gunfire on the windscreen multiple times during the attack. Mashatile’s spokesperson, Keith Khoza, confirmed that the deputy president was inside the vehicle when the shooting occurred. “We can confirm that there was an incident in which the car of the deputy president was hit,” Khoza said.
While early details were unclear, an expert analysis has confirmed that the impact on the vehicle’s windscreen came from bullets. “The police are best placed to respond to the question; however, I can confirm that we have a report confirming from an expert that these were bullets,” Khoza added.
Preliminary findings from the scene reportedly suggest that as many as 12 spent cartridges were recovered, though the exact number of shots has yet to be officially confirmed.
Thanks to the car’s bulletproof features, Mashatile emerged from the incident without injury. The South African Police Service, in collaboration with the Presidential Protection Unit, has launched a joint investigation into the attempted attack. While the identity and motive of the assailants remain unknown, authorities are treating the case with urgency as the investigation continues.