BLOEMFONTEIN – Heidedal police were forced to rush to the aid of the Free State Anti-Gang Unit after furious residents turned on officers during a drug bust in Joe Slovo on Tuesday, 16 June, pelting them with stones and damaging state vehicles.
The chaos erupted after members of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Joe Slovo at approximately 06:45, following a tip-off. As the tactical team attempted to enter the house, the homeowner (45) allegedly released his pit bull dogs on two police officials. The members managed to evade the dogs.
Upon searching the premises, the team discovered and seized a quantity of crystal meth and an amount of cash. However, when the homeowner was informed of his arrest, a crowd quickly gathered outside and began hurling stones at police officials, damaging state vehicles.
Heidedal SAPS members were mobilised to provide backup, but their response vehicle was also struck by stones thrown by the irate crowd. The Anti-Gang Unit deployed stun grenades and rubber bullets to bring the situation under control and disperse the mob.
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The team ultimately secured the crime scene, preserved the seized drug exhibits and withdrew with four arrested suspects. Two suspects, the homeowner (45) and a male (20), were arrested inside the residence for dealing in drugs. The homeowner faces an additional charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm for releasing his dogs on the officers.
Two further suspects, aged 26 and 51, were arrested for malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack on police and police vehicles.
All four suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon.
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia condemned the attack, saying any assault on police is a direct attack on the authority of the state.
“Our officers put their lives on the line daily to rid our neighbourhoods of dangerous drugs and violent gangs. It is deeply concerning and entirely unacceptable when community elements choose to shield criminal syndicates by turning heavily on the very police officials working to protect their children and families from the scourge of drug addiction,” he said.
“We will not be intimidated, and we will not retreat. SAPS will continue to execute its mandate without fear or favour.”
