South African police have launched an investigation into an apparent assassination attempt on Deputy President Paul Mashatile, whose official vehicle came under fire earlier this month as he left a high-level meeting of the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
Mashatile told journalists on Monday that the incident occurred as his motorcade was travelling from Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, shortly after an ANC National Executive Committee gathering.
He said his entourage initially believed stones were being thrown at the car.
“When we got home, the protectors said the impact was too much and they want to take it for checking because a bulletproof windscreen is quite strong to be damaged. And that’s why they are doing the investigation,” the deputy president said.
No suspects have been identified and the motive behind the shooting remains unknown.
Mashatile’s spokesperson Keith Khoza said the matter was not immediately made public to avoid causing alarm before formal investigations could begin.
