CAPE TOWN – Four suspects, aged between 16 and 20, were arrested following an incident of public violence and an attack on police officers in Hanover Park on Wednesday 4 November.

Anti-gang unit members deployed in the area as part of the 2026 Local Government Election security operations intervened shortly after 10:00 when they noticed two groups throwing stones at each other near the Hanover Park civic centre voting station, according to Colonel André Traut.

While police managed to calm the situation, one group turned on the officers, pelting them with stones and beer bottles. One police official sustained an injury to his left hand and discharged three warning shots to disperse the attackers and restore order.

Police responded to stabilise the area. No residents were injured.

A case of public violence and attack on police has been registered.

Traut said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are allegedly affiliated with a criminal gang operating in the area. They are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court once charged.

He added that the incident did not affect or disrupt the election process, and voting continued uninterrupted.

Police remain deployed to maintain law and order and will not allow acts of lawlessness to derail the electoral process or prevent voters from exercising their democratic rights in a safe and secure environment.

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