Greenside residents attack three Limpopo police officers following their attempt to arrest undocumented immigrants

Polokwane – Residents of extension 44 attacked Westenburg police officers after attempting to arrest four undocumented foreign nationals.

The four foreign nationals were arrested for allegedly having entered the borders of South Africa illegally.

The attack on three Westenburg police officers let to the four suspects fleeing police arrest for being undocumented foreign nationals.

According to a statement by Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlalefa Mojapelo, “during the arrest, one of the foreign nationals allegedly took out a knife and advanced towards the police members, allegedly threatening to stab them, but was shot and injured.”

“The brother of the injured foreign national allegedly incited community members in the area to attack the police who then started throwing stones and in the process, injured three police members and damaged their three vehicles. Community members then released all arrested illegal immigrants from police vehicles,” said Mojapelo.

“The injured members received medical treatment and were later. discharged. Police then traced one of the four men and arrested him at a hospital where he was being treated for injuries,” added Mojapelo.

Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers showed aa major concern towards South Africans who obstruct justice.

“We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the conduct that was manifested by the said community members. The police will not tolerate any form of lawlessness and any attack on them will be responded to appropriately,” said Scheepers.

Police launched manhunt for the other three undocumented immigrants.

The would be investigating cases of illegal immigration, assault, escaping from custody, malicious damage to property and incitement to commit crime.

STUF News