Suspects aged between 32 and 74 years old will appear before Moutse Magistrate’s Court today after they violently attacked cops on Saturday while performing their duties. The incident happened at Ntwane village during a police patrol. SAPS Provincial Commissioner in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe strongly condemned the violent attack on the police.

ATTACKED ON DUTY

SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, explained that the officers were patrolling when they noticed members of the community attacking each other during a graduation ceremony from an initiation school, held at the local tribal office. "The officers promptly responded and tried to stabilise the situation. But they were attacked by unruly community members. Two police officers were assaulted, and their vehicle was damaged after one community member hit it multiple times with a hard object," said Ledwaba.

SAVED BY BACK UP

Ledwaba said, members of public order policing and neighbouring stations provided backup and swiftly diffused the situation. "Five suspects were arrested, and others managed to evade arrest.It is not yet known what caused the violence." He said cases of malicious damage to property, assault common and public violence were opened. "This cowardly act resulted in the injury of our police officers and damage to our resources. An attack on our police officers is an attack on the state and the community they serve. We will ensure that those responsible for this reprehensible act are swiftly brought to justice." stressed General Hadebe.