South African police say eight Nigerian nationals have been apprehended and charged with public violence and malicious damage to property after attacking police.
They allegedly damaged police vehicles and broke the windows at Kimberley Police Station on Thursday night. The suspects retaliated to the arrest of another Nigerian national for allegedly being in possession of drugs.
Provincial SAPS spokesperson Cherelle Ehlers says, “During the execution of the arrest, the man allegedly resisted and assaulted SAPS members. A large group, all believed to be Nigerian nationals, attacked the members and damaged SAPS cars.”
She adds: “Police fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. During the process, the suspects broke windows at the police station and threatened to retaliate.
”The operational commander warned the group to disperse. Upon dispersing, the group damaged police vehicles. Four other suspects were arrested for malicious property damage.”
Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Otola condemned this behaviour and stressed that those who stand in the way of police from doing their job will be prosecuted.
“We will not allow such lawless behaviour; we are processing the suspects and working with Home Affairs to determine if they are legally or illegally in the country. Police will continue to stamp the authority of the state in the Northern Cape Province,’’ Otola said.