Police Minister calls for strong action against criminals during festive season. Image: Facebook/SAPS
Police officers tied with ropes and attacked in Rustenburg
A wanted suspect allegedly called community members to lock police officers up, tied them and attack them with knobkerries in Rustenburg.
Police Minister calls for strong action against criminals during festive season. Image: Facebook/SAPS
Five suspects who allegedly attacked police officers with knobberies near Rustenburg will appear before the Bafokeng Magistrates’ Court in Tlhabane in North West on Monday, 13 November.
The incident happened in Freedom Park outside Rustenburg on Thursday, 9 November.
POLICE OFFICERS ATTACKED IN RUSTENBURG
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), two detectives from Phokeng police station were officially on duty and conducting investigations in Freedom Park.
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The members found a 51-year-old suspect wanted for assault. They warned the suspect accordingly and requested him to accompany them to the police station.
The suspect then allegedly blew a whistle, and members of the community gathered at his place and locked the gate, tied up the police officers with ropes, and assaulted them with knobkerries.
SAPS said the police officers were also robbed of their cellphones, while the State motor vehicle was damaged.
“Subsequently, Public Order Police (POP) and Tactical Response Team (TRT) members rescued the pair, who sustained serious injuries.”
SUSPECTS TO APPEAR BEFORE COURT
The suspects, aged between 24 and 51, were arrested for robbery, assault on police officers, aiding a suspect to escape, and malicious property damage. They are expected to appear on Monday before the Bafokeng Magistrates’ Court in Tlhabane.
North West Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident and said it is tantamount to undermining the authority of the State.
