By OBAKENG MAJE
Eight Nigerians were arrested for allegedly attacking a police officer and damaging their vehicles in Kimberley on Thursday. At the time of the arrests, police were tracing information of one of the Nigerian nationals being in possession of drugs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said, while conducting the search, a large group of Nigerians allegedly attacked the police. Ehlers said the police fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
“One suspect was arrested for illegal possession of drugs, and three suspects were arrested for public violence and detained at Kimberley Police Station. During processing, the suspects broke windows at the station.
“Additional charges of malicious damage to property were added. Another group of Nigerians later approached the police station and threatened to retaliate. The Operational Commander warned the group to disperse,” she said.
Ehlers further said, however, upon dispersing, the group allegedly damaged the police vehicles. She added that another four suspects were arrested for malicious damage to property.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, has welcomed the arrest of the suspects. Otola condemned this behaviour and stated that, those who prevent police from exercising their duties will be dealt with harshly.
“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. The police will continue to stamp the authority of the state in the province,” she said.
TaungDailyNews 