Johannesburg - Eight officials of the Parliamentary Protection Services (PPS) injured while escorting some MPs out of the chamber are receiving medical and counselling attention, according to a statement issued by Parliament.
“The officials were beaten with plastic hats, bricks, and (were) punched. The presiding officers, Speaker Baleka Mbete of the National Assembly and chairperson Thandi Modise of the National Council of Provinces, directed the secretary to Parliament to conduct an investigation.
“The secretary to Parliament, Mr Gengezi Mgidlana, has established an interdivisional committee to investigate various allegations surrounding the incidents that took place on the night of the State of the Nation address.”
The statement, issued on Friday, said the secretary was expected to table a report early next week to the presiding officers for a decision on the course of action Parliament would take.
“The allegations of brutality levelled at PPS officials are unfair, unfounded and baseless. Evidence shown on national television stations clearly indicates that these officials were brutally assaulted when they were merely doing their work of removing some members of Parliament as instructed by the presiding officers.
“They have done their job successfully in spite of the difficult conditions created by some of the MPs. Allegations that the PPS has any weaponry such as cable ties, injections or any other equipment are false,” said the statement.