Mashatile's spokesperson Vukani Mde says the deputy President was not in any of the cars when the incident happened and Mashatile was unaware of the incident until the video emerged on social media. 

The Deputy President abhors any unnecessary use of force, particularly against unarmed civilians and the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, has promised a thorough investigation of the incident and articulated the conduct expected of police officers very well," Mde said.

While the armed men can be seen dragging the motorists out of their vehicle and severely assaulting them before taking off in their convoy of state vehicles, the SAPS has revealed on Tuesday that they are in the process of obtaining statements from the victims.

"The police officers involved have also been identified and will be subjected to internal processes as the management of the SAPS views this as a serious matter and will get to the bottom of this incident," Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.