One charge dismissed against eight officers accused in ‘Blue Light Mafia’ case

The Randburg Magistrate’s Court has ruled that only one of the several charges facing eight VIP Protection Service officers can be discharged.

Dubbed the ‘Blue Light Mafia’ case, the eight are accused of stopping and assaulting three men at the side of the N1 highway two years ago.

Shadrack Kojoana, Johannes Mampuru, Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja, Phineas Boshielo, Churchill Mkhize, Lesibana Rambau, and Moses Tshidada brought an application for discharge in connection with an incident that allegedly occurred in 2023 near the William Nicol off-ramp on the N1 towards Pretoria.

However, on Thursday, the court only ruled that one charge, attempting to defeat the ends of justice, can be removed.

The matter will continue with the men facing charges including pointing a firearm, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property, and reckless and negligent driving.

The matter has been postponed to March 23–27, 2026 for continuation of trial.

Action Society spokesperson Juanita du Preez hailed the court’s ruling.

“There is a vast contrast between the results of the internal disciplinary hearing, which rejected the main evidence, and what is now unfolding in court. The police’s inability to police itself has been exposed.

“The disciplinary action against these eight officers should be reinstated following the clarity that has emerged from this judgment. At the very least, these officers should be suspended again, because they are all back on active duty,” she said.

Additionally, Boshielo, Mkhize, and Tshidada face charges of pointing a firearm, while Mampuru and Rambau face additional charges of reckless and negligent driving.

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