South Africa’s Vice President Paul Mashatile Survives Assassination Attempt
On April 20, 2025, South African Vice President Paul Mashatile revealed he survived an assassination attempt after an ANC meeting. His convoy was shot at, sparking concerns over political violence. Investigations by the South African Police Service and the Presidential Protection Unit are ongoing, and public reaction highlights rising security concerns.
hassan benyoub 
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa – South Africa’s Vice President Paul Mashatile revealed on Sunday, April 20, 2025, that he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt while returning home from a recent African National Congress (ANC) meeting. The incident, which occurred in Boksburg, 65 km from Pretoria, has raised concerns about political violence in the country as investigations continue.
Details of the Incident
Speaking to the media during a visit to the KwaSizabantu mission in KwaZulu-Natal, Mashatile recounted the alarming event. He explained that after leaving an ANC National Executive Committee meeting, a vehicle in his convoy was targeted with gunfire. “As I was leaving the meeting, my car was hit by what I initially thought were stones. Upon returning home, security personnel noted the impact was too significant and wanted to examine it, as a bulletproof windshield is too resistant to be damaged like that,” Mashatile said. The attack took place three weeks prior, but details were only disclosed recently to avoid compromising the investigation.
Official Confirmation and Ongoing Investigation
Keith Khoza, spokesperson for the Vice Presidency, confirmed the incident, noting that it was not made public earlier because investigators were working to identify the type of firearm used. According to The Citizen, the shooting occurred on the N12 highway, with Mashatile’s vehicle struck by bullets three times. Khoza added that the Presidential Protection Unit (PPU) prioritized Mashatile’s safety, refraining from returning fire to ensure his swift evacuation from the area. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and PPU are jointly investigating, but no arrests have been made as of April 20, 2025.
Context and Political Implications
Mashatile, who has served as South Africa’s Deputy President since 2023 and ANC Deputy President since December 2022, as noted in Wikipedia, did not speculate on the motive behind the attack. The incident comes amid a politically charged climate in South Africa, with the ANC facing internal and external pressures. The attack echoes a 2017 incident in South Sudan, where a vice president’s convoy was targeted, wounding bodyguards, as reported by Reuters, highlighting the risks faced by political figures in volatile regions.
Public Reaction and Security Concerns
The news has sparked widespread concern on social media platforms like X, with users expressing shock and calling for enhanced security measures for public officials. Posts on Briefly.co.za noted public reactions, with some netizens linking the incident to broader issues of political instability in South Africa. The lack of immediate arrests has fueled speculation, though Mashatile emphasized that the police are actively investigating to uncover the motive and circumstances of the attack.
Looking Ahead
This assassination attempt underscores the challenges of ensuring the safety of high-profile leaders in South Africa, particularly as political tensions rise. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for national security policies and the ANC’s internal dynamics. As the probe continues, South Africans await answers on who was behind this brazen attack and what it means for the country’s political future.
Stay updated on this developing story and South Africa’s political landscape with our ongoing coverage.
