The police were attacked by a large group of foreigners while they were arresting a Nigerian national who was allegedly in possession of drugs in Kimberley on Thursday night.
A ROUTINE stop-and-search operation conducted by members of the SAPS’s Operation Vala Umgodi team took a violent turn on Thursday evening in Kimberley.
The incident involved a Nigerian national suspected of drug possession and escalated into a clash between law enforcement and a large group of individuals.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, at approximately 6pm, officers stopped and searched the Nigerian suspect in Elliot Street, allegedly uncovering a stash of illegal substances including mandrax tablets, dagga and crystal meth (tik). However, when the police tried to arrest the suspect, he allegedly resisted and assaulted a member of the police using a tyre strap.
The situation quickly escalated when a group of individuals, all believed to be Nigerian nationals, descended upon the scene. They attacked the officers and damaged SAPS vehicles. In response, the police resorted to firing rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
Three suspects were arrested for public violence and detained at the Kimberley police station.
As the suspects were being processed, they reportedly broke windows at the station, leading to additional charges of malicious damage to property.
The group then approached the police station, threatening retaliation. The operational commander issued a warning for the group to disperse, but upon doing so, they reportedly damaged police vehicles.
Four more suspects were subsequently arrested for their alleged involvement in the property damage.
Ehlers said the police were continuing to monitor the situation on Thursday evening.
