VIP Protection Unit (South Africa)

Last updated

The VIP Protection Unit (VIPU) is an arm of the South African Police Service responsible for the static and in-transit protection of the president, deputy president, former presidents and deputy presidents, cabinet ministers, MECs and foreign dignitaries. [1]

Contents

History

Controversy

The unit drew criticism in 2009 for on-road bullying tactics. It came to particular prominence in January 2009 following an alleged assault of a civilian who came too close to President Kgalema Motlanthe's vehicle cavalcade. For such actions, the unit received the "blue light gang" moniker. [2] In February 2009, its Gauteng regional boss, Commander Sean Tshabalala, bemoaned the public's lack of respect. Columnist Max du Preez retorted "If you want respect, get out of the cushy cavalcade and go and fight some crime." [3]

Organization

Around 200 persons were integrated into the VIPU due to reforms made in the 1990s in the SAPS. [4]

References

  1. ↑ "Programme 5: Protection and Security Services" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 July 2014.
  2. ↑ Rondganger, Lee. "'Blue light' scandal being investigated." The Star , 7 January 2009: 5.
  3. ↑ Du Preez, Max. "The cushy VIP cavalcade." News24 . 4 February 2009.
  4. ↑ "Police Reform and South Africa's Transition" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2011.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.