Cops Accused Of Burning Their Own Nyala In Khayelitsha Chaos (Video)

Tensions ran high in Khayelitsha on Wednesday night as furious residents accused police of setting fire to their own Nyala armoured vehicle after allegedly shooting at protesters during a violent service delivery demonstration.

The unrest broke out in Thembeni and Empolweni, where residents had taken to the streets demanding electricity. What began as a protest soon spiralled into chaos, leaving cops vehicles ablaze and several arrests in its wake.

Police Vehicle Torched Amid Mayhem

According to Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, the Public Order Police (POPS) unit from Faure responded to the protest where roughly 180 residents had gathered.

Van Wyk said: “Allegedly, the crowd was pushed back utilising a police Nyala. When the members were reversing back to Baden Powell, they noticed smoke inside the vehicle. The members jumped out and noticed that it was on fire. Fire and Rescue were called to extinguish the fire. The members did not sustain any injuries.”

He confirmed that the circumstances surrounding the burning of the Nyala are now under investigation.

Four adult males were arrested for attempted murder, public violence, and malicious damage to property. They are expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on 17 October 2025.

Officials Condemn Violence, Warn of Strained Resources

Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, condemned the destruction of police resources, warning that such actions worsen policing shortages in already high-crime areas.

Marais said: “The Western Cape, like many parts of the country, is already severely under-resourced when it comes to policing. We cannot afford to lose essential equipment that plays a vital role in ensuring public order and protecting both officers and residents.”

She added that attacks on state property “undermine the rule of law” and urged SAPS to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Bus Set Alight in Separate Baden Powell Protest

In a separate incident on Tuesday night, around 150 protesters blocked Baden Powell Drive, where a bus was set alight during another violent demonstration.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said:

“They pelted vehicles with stones and, in the process, set a bus alight. The police took action and dispersed the crowd. The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.”

Makhaza police have opened cases of public violence, malicious damage to property, and damage to essential infrastructure.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile app anonymously.

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