The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested eight Nigerians for allegedly attacking the operatives and damaging their vehicles during a drug raid.
Jerrymusa.com reports that Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, verified the incident that took place in the Northern Cape on Friday.
Police were tracking for information on one of the Nigerian nationals who was in possession of drugs when they made the arrest, according to a statement from the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Nigerians Fights Police
“A sizable contingent of Nigerians fought the police while they were carrying out this search. Rubber bullets were used by police to break up the throng, according to SAPS.
According to the South African Government News Agency, three suspects were held at the Kimberley Police Station for public violence, while one suspect was apprehended for possession of illegal drugs.
In addition, suspects damaged windows at the station while the police were handling the matter. Since then, the police have added accusations of intentional property damage.
“An additional group of Nigerians later approached the police station and threatened to retaliate,” the South African police continued. The group was advised to disperse by the operational commander.
The mob vandalised police cars as they dispersed, and four more people were taken into custody for intentionally causing property damage.
Since then, Otola has denounced this attitude and vowed to deal harshly with anyone who prevents police officers from carrying out their duty.
“We won’t put up with such criminal activity. While we process the suspects, we are collaborating with Home Affairs to ascertain whether or not they are in the nation lawfully. In the Northern Cape, police will keep upholding state authority, he declared.
“We won’t put up with such criminal activity. We are interacting with and processing the suspects home affairs to determine if they are legally or illegally in the country.”
“Police will continue to stamp out the authority of the state in the Northern Cape Province,” he added.