Authorities have apprehended a group of eight Nigerian individuals based in South Africa for their alleged involvement in attacking police officers during a recent drug raid.
In a statement shared on its official channel, the South African Police announced that the arrests took place in the Northern Cape province.
Reports indicate that the suspects not only attacked the police officers but also caused damage to vehicles and other properties.
During the operation to apprehend one Nigerian national for suspected drug possession, a confrontation ensued as a large group of Nigerians assaulted the police. To disperse the crowd, the police resorted to firing rubber bullets.
As a result of the altercation, one suspect was taken into custody for illegal drug possession, while three others were arrested for participating in public violence and were subsequently held at the Kimberley Police Station.
Further events unfolded as the suspects in custody damaged windows at the station during processing, leading to additional charges being filed for malicious damage to property.
Subsequently, another group of Nigerian individuals approached the police station and issued threats of retaliation.
In response, the Operational Commander directed the group to disperse. Despite this, upon dispersal, the group proceeded to vandalize police vehicles, resulting in the arrest of four more suspects for malicious property damage,” as stated in the official release.
The provincial Police Commissioner, Koliswa Otola, praised the efforts of the officers involved in apprehending the suspects.
“We condemn such lawless acts,” stated the commissioner.
“The processing of the suspects is underway, and collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs is ongoing to ascertain their legal status in the country.
“Law enforcement will continue to enforce regulations in the Northern Cape Province,” added Otola.