Mob attacks police station in protest over arrests

They pelted the police station with stones.

According to Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson Sgt Mashudu Phathela, the attack, described by other police officers as ”anarchy”, came after their members arrested the residents of the settlement along St Anthony’s Road, Reiger Park, at about 4am.

“On Wednesday afternoon, September 7, around 100 people from the informal settlement, a stone’s throw away, stormed the police station and demanded that the arrested suspects be released immediately,” he said.

“We first tried to explain to the community members that the suspects were due to appear in court, and that they would have to await the court’s decision.

The community then reacted angrily, and started pelting the police station with stones, damaging one state vehicle and a member’s car parked at the station, before fleeing the scene.

No police members were injured and an investigation into the incident continues.

Reiger Park residents experience power outages on a regular basis, due to power cable thefts – and the arrests was seen as a step in the right direction in addressing the problem.

The police also came under attack during an anti-crime operation in Joe Slovo informal settlement, on September 3.

Police had to take cover when angry community members attacked them with stones and beer bottles, while they were closing down illegal shebeens.

Phathela said he was outraged over these incidents, adding that it is very sad when members of the community attack officers who are officially given the mandate to uphold and enforce the law.

* Meanwhile the Boksburg police recently arrested a man believed to be a member of a notorious gang of robbers, who have been terrorizing people in the Boksburg CBD.

The suspect was caught in possession of a toy gun it is believed he and his accomplices used in the series of robberies reported in the area.

Police described the toy as “a realistic looking toy gun”, resembling a revolver. – @FanieFLK