Police Officers Attacked While Attempting To Separate Community Fight

The provincial commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned the recent violent attack on police officers in Dennilton, Sekhukhune District, Limpopo.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning, 13 July 2024, in Ntwane Village. According to reports, the officers were patrolling when they noticed members of the community attacking each other during the graduation ceremony of an initiation school held at the local tribal office.

The officers promptly responded to the situation in an attempt to stabilize it. However, they were met with resistance and subsequently attacked by unruly community members.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Woman’s 22-Year-Old Nephew Arrested For Strangling Her 1-Year-Old Baby

During the altercation, two police officers were assaulted, and a police quantum was damaged after one community member hit it multiple times with a hard object. 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.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemned the attack, stating, “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.”

Cases of malicious damage to property, assault common, and public violence were opened. The suspects, aged between 32 and 74, are set to appear before the Moutse Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 July 2024.

Police urge anyone with information about the other suspects to come forward and contact Warrant Officer Michael Seopela on 082 303 9907 or the Police Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS app.