SAPS’ delayed reaction leads to locals attacking police station

WATERVAL BOVEN - Local law enforcers’ delayed response to a business robbery and hijacking on Friday evening set in motion an attack on the police station by angry residents.

A resident, who did not want to be named, said, “Apparently there was a robbery between 23:00 and 23:30 on Friday.

“The residents contacted police to report the incident and they did not respond in a timely manner, which caused the community to march to the station,” he said.

According to the source, upon their arrival at the station, the disgruntled residents were informed that the station commander, Capt Johan Louw, was not available.

The incident escalated to an attack on the police station when the angry community members broke two windows, including the windows of two police vehicles.

According to the provincial police spokesman, Brig Leonard Hlathi, the officers were responding to the business robbery and hijacking while the station was under siege.

“They broke two windows at the police station and smashed windows of two vehicles.

“The station commander also sustained minor injuries during the fracas,” said Hlathi.

He confirmed that two arrests had been made. The two suspects have already appeared in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court to face charges of assault of a police officer, malicious damage to property and public violence. One of the suspects was released on bail and the other is expected to apply for bail on Wednesday.

‘The residents contacted police to report the incident and they did not respond in a timely manner’