The Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, has strongly condemned the assault of a member of the police as well as the malicious damage of state property.
The condemnation comes after a group of people attacked police and maliciously damaged state property in the area of Elukwatini on Friday 15 November 2019. Police managed to arrest seven people aged between 18 and 23 in this regard.
The report indicates that at around 21:45, the police were obstructed from carrying out their duties when they were busy executing operational duties and enforcing the Liquor Act at a local liquor outlet.
These members were then confronted by a group of patrons of about 30 people who started pelting them with stones and empty beer bottles. The boisterous crowd severely damaged the state vehicle in the process.
One of the police officials was surrounded by a cruel and angry crowd that was throwing a hail of objects at him from all directions. The official, who sustained some injuries, managed to move his way out of the mob and in the process, he fired a shot.
Some of the suspects were arrested after being identified and will appear at the Eerstehoek Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 18 November 2019, facing charges of malicious damage to state property and assault on police officer.
General Zuma has further sent a stern warning to anyone who attack police that attacking a police official is an attack to the State and that can never be tolerated in this country.
“I cannot stand and watch my members that I have sent to uphold the law and ensure public safety, being attacked in this manner. An example should be made out of the arrested suspects, that South Africa is a country with law and order”, said General Zuma.
More suspects are expected to be arrested as the investigation continues.
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