Unwarranted attacks on Police Officers by the community of Grahamstown in Makhanda on Monday afternoon, 14 June 2021, is strongly condemned by SAPS management as disgraceful and disappointing.
Two members of the South African Police Service were patrolling D Street at Fingo Village nearby a local tavern when they noticed a group of people dancing in the middle of the road and around a loud speaker with loud music. The group was also carrying and drinking liquor from open bottles in public.
As the police stopped to warn them against blocking the road and public drinking, they were met with insults and physical attacks, whilst being harassed to leave the group alone. The unruly members of the community further obstructed the police from carrying out their duty to ensure peace and order in the area by even attacking them when returning to the vehicle in which the police were driving.
They manhandled police officers whilst others, hurled stones at the police vehicle which was consequently damaged. The two Police officers called for reinforcement which resulted to the arrest of two instigators of violence and attack on police.
Management has expressed serious concerns about a community that does not respect the law. “An attack on our police officers is an indirect attack on the rule of law and government. We are going to deal decisively with disruptive criminal elements who consistently launch an onslaught on innocent officers. Our members will continue fighting crime undeterred and nobody will stop them from carrying out this mandate” said Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga.
The arrested male and female suspects aged between 28 and 35, are currently in detention in
