The VIP officers arrested in connection with the beating of civilians in Johannesburg have questioned the evidential weight of the video footage of the incident.

The attack occurred on the N1 near Fourways, and was captured by another motorist, who shared it on social media earlier this month. It was later revealed that the VIP officers belonged to the deputy president’s protection detail.

The eight officers were suspended and are now in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court seeking bail. They face charges for pointing a firearm, assault, and causing malicious damage to property.

Their defence claims that since the identity of the person who took the video is still unknown, it brings into question the integrity of the footage.