Two suspects are expected to appear in court next week following the arrest of men implicated in the brutal assault of a private security guard at eBuhlanti Marina Glen, near East London beach in the Eastern Cape.
The incident, which occurred after the guard asked motorists to move their vehicle off the road, was captured on video by witnesses and later went viral on social media. In the footage, the guard is seen being repeatedly assaulted by the men. As the attack unfolds, several women nearby can be heard pleading with the suspects to stop.
At one point in the video, one of the men approaches the person recording and mockingly remarks, “Even though you can record us,” before dancing and laughing. The footage sparked widespread outrage, with South Africans calling on police to arrest the suspects and condemning what many described as a sense of arrogance and untouchability displayed by the attackers.
On Friday, 2 January 2026, the Association of Private Security Owners of South Africa (TAPSOSA) said it welcomes the arrests, describing the assault as brutal, dehumanising and deeply disturbing.
“TAPSOSA condemns this barbaric act in the strongest and most unequivocal terms,” said TAPSOSA spokesperson Sindiswa Changuion. “The conduct displayed by the perpetrators, as captured in the widely circulated video footage, constitutes a gross violation of human dignity, the rule of law, and the basic values that underpin a civilised society.”
Changuion said the repeated kicking of the security officer while he lay defenceless on the ground, his pursuit as he attempted to flee, and the subsequent mocking gestures by one of the assailants reflected a disturbing level of moral decay and contempt for human life.
“This was not merely an attack on one individual. It was an attack on the rule of law and on every security officer who places themselves in harm’s way daily to protect people, property and communities,” she said.
TAPSOSA highlighted that private security officers are frontline workers who operate under extremely challenging and often dangerous conditions, frequently exposed to violence and intimidation while receiving little recognition for their role in maintaining safety and order.
“As an employer association representing the private security industry, we are deeply concerned by the increasing normalisation of violence against security personnel,” Changuion said. “Security officers are too often perceived as disposable or undeserving of respect, despite being entrusted with preventing criminal activity and supporting broader crime-prevention efforts.”
The organisation issued a stern warning that any act of violence against a security officer would be met with unwavering condemnation and pursued through all available legal channels. It called on the criminal justice system to treat the case with the seriousness it deserves, warning that leniency would only perpetuate a culture of impunity.
TAPSOSA also commended the South African Police Service for their swift action in arresting the suspects and urged prosecutors to ensure justice is seen to be done.
Police have confirmed the arrests and said the suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Meanwhile, on 1 January 2026, Exxaro Resources acknowledged the circulating video on its social media platform X. The company said one of the alleged suspects had been identified as an employee of one of its contractors, Baagi Technology.
“Exxaro Resources does not tolerate any behaviour that is contrary to our values, and the alleged suspect’s access to our company has been immediately revoked,” the company said. “In line with our code of conduct, Baagi Technology is attending to this matter with the urgency it deserves.”
TAPSOSA said it stands in solidarity with the assaulted officer, his family and security officers across the country, reaffirming its commitment to advocating for their safety, dignity and protection.
