Eight Presidential Protection Services members, caught on camera assaulting motorists on the N1 near Olivedale in Johannesburg in July, are back at work.

The officers were part of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's VIP protection detail. 

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said on Monday that their return to work was aligned with SAPS disciplinary regulations. "Suspension is for 60 days. Thereafter, the suspension is automatically uplifted in terms of the organisation's disciplinary regulations," she said.

Mathe said the members were confined to the office and were not operational, pending the finalisation of the internal departmental investigation and the criminal case before the court.

"[The suspension] is automatically uplifted if the internal departmental investigation is still underway and not yet finalised," she said.

She added that the departmental investigation was at an advanced stage.

The eight men – Shadrack Molekatlane Kojoana, Johannes Matome Mampuru, Pomso Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molefo Boshielo, Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize, Lesibana Aggrie Rambau and Moses Fhatuwani Tshidada – are each out on R10 000 bail.

They face 12 charges, including pointing a firearm, reckless and negligent driving, malicious damage to property, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, obstruction of justice, and assault by way of threat.

At the last appearance, the court heard that cellphone records and some witness statements were still outstanding.

State advocate Elize le Roux assured the Randburg Magistrate's Court that the investigation was nearing completion.

The case was postponed to 9 November.