Norwood police arrest Uber taxi passenger for allegedly attacking a police official

Norwood police arrested a man for alleged assault of a police officer on October 14.

Norwood police spokesperson Sergeant Eric Masotsha confirmed the arrest, saying one suspect was behind bars on a charge of assaulting a police officer. He said police officers had been doing their routine patrols in the Norwood precinct when they stopped an e-hailing taxi and asked to search the driver and passenger,
Masotsha added, “The driver complied, however, the passenger refused to be searched.”

The driver told the officers he had had problems with the client who had not wanted to pay him. Soon after, the passenger grabbed a sharp object and hit one of the police officers on the head and he sustained injuries.

“As the fighting continued, backup was called to assist the officials who then managed to apprehend the perpetrator.

He said the police officer was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. “We urge communities to help and join us in the fight against attacks on police, even against emergency care workers.”

The suspect will appear in court in due course.

ALSO READ:

Norwood SAPS under investigation after guns used at a crime scene were traced to their storeroom