Police in Joubertina were allegedly attacked by a mob and
damage of thousands of rands was inflicted upon a police vehicle when members confiscated
illegally brewed alcohol from a house in the Louterwater area last night (Friday).
According to a police report, the members were following up
on information received about a house selling the illegal brew when the incident
took place at approximately 19:00.
“At the scene, police arrested two suspects, aged 30 and 44 years,
for selling illegal liquor concoctions and confiscated over 300 litres of this
illicit brew,” the police statement read.
“It is further alleged that while members were about to
leave the scene, a group of over 100 people attacked them with stones,
inflicting costly damages to a police vehicle,” the statement further read. No
one was injured during the incident. The damage to the police vehicle is
estimated to be around R50 000.
Moments later, police organised manpower reinforcement
(back-up) and successfully arrested a total of nine suspects (five females and
four males) for public violence. There is a possibility of additional arrests over
the weekend.
The nine suspects, aged between 18 and 63 years, are due to
appear in the Joubertina Magistrates Court on Monday on charges of public
violence.
Provincial police commissioner, Lt. Gen. Liziwe Ntshinga, condemned
the attack in the strongest terms. “We will not allow callous and despicable
acts of violence against our members while they are executing their duties. The
supremacy of the law and those executing their legal responsibilities must be
respected,” she said.
Source: SAPS media statement
