The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned the recent attack by the community on Police’ Officers while carrying out their duties of arresting a suspect at Naboomspruit in Waterberg District on Saturday, 19 August 2023 at about 20:00.
It is reported that the Police’ received a complaint from the victim of a domestic violence related incident at Mokgoopong Extension 8 and they swiftly responded but the suspect was not found at the scene. Later on, the suspect, who had violated the protection order arrived and started attacking the Police’ in resistance to the arrest. Consequently, the 58-year-old suspect was shot and wounded during the scuffle with the Police.
It is reported that members of the community mobilized and surrounded the Police and the Emergency Medical Services throwing stones at the police vehicle.
A case of malicious damage to property has been opened following the attack on the Police by members of the community. No one has been arrested in connection with the incident.
The suspect arrested for allegedly assaulting the Police Officers and for the violation of the protection order was taken to hospital and placed under police guard. He will make his court appearance as soon as he gets discharged from the hospital.
“This act of violence against the Police is unacceptable and undermines the security of our communities. The Police officers when carrying out their duties in a lawful manner are not going to watch when being subjected to attack by unlawful attacker. Members of the community are expected to work with Police and not prevent them from protecting GBV victims. Perpetrators who attacked police must be tracked down and be apprehended as soon as possible,” concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.
The Police appeal to anyone with the information that can assist in identifying and arresting the group of community members responsible for attacking the Police to contact the investigating Officer Captain Mape Modiba at 082 565 8299, alternatively report to the nearest Police Station or to Crime Stop Call Centre by dialing 08600 10111 or anonymously forward tip-offs to MySAPS App.
The case has been reported to IPID for further investigations.