In a dramatic turn of events, the South African Police Service (SAPS) apprehended eight Nigerian nationals following an altercation during a drug raid in Northern Cape. The incident, confirmed by Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, unfolded amid efforts to address drug-related activities in the region.
According to General Otola's statement released on Friday, the suspects allegedly launched an attack on police officers conducting the drug raid, resulting in damage to vehicles and other property.
"At the time of the arrest, police were tracing information of one of the Nigerian nationals being in possession of drugs. While conducting this search, a large group of Nigerians attacked police. Police fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd," the statement revealed.
The confrontation led to the arrest of one suspect for illegal drug possession, while three others were apprehended for public violence and detained at the Kimberley Police Station. However, the situation escalated when suspects in custody reportedly caused further chaos by breaking windows at the station, prompting additional charges of malicious damage to property.
Subsequently, another group of Nigerians allegedly approached the police station and issued threats of retaliation. Despite warnings from the Operational Commander to disperse, the group purportedly proceeded to damage police vehicles, resulting in the arrest of four more individuals for malicious damage to property.
Expressing concern over the incident, General Otola emphasized, "We will not allow such lawless behavior." She affirmed that the SAPS is actively collaborating with the Department of Home Affairs to verify the legal status of the detained individuals in the country.
"Police will continue to stamp the authority of the state in the Northern Cape Province," General Otola concluded, underscoring the commitment to maintaining law and order in the region.
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