At least eight Nigerians living in South Africa have been taken into custody for reportedly attacking police officers during a drug raid.
In a statement shared on its X handle on Friday, the South African Police announced the arrest of the suspects in the Northern Cape province.
According to the statement, the suspects also vandalized vehicles and other property.
“At the time of the arrest, police were pursuing information indicating that one of the Nigerian nationals was in possession of drugs.
“While conducting the search, a large group of Nigerians assaulted the police. Authorities used rubber bullets to scatter the crowd.
“One suspect was apprehended for unlawful possession of drugs, and three suspects were detained for public violence at Kimberley Police Station.
“During processing, the suspects broke windows at the station. Further charges of malicious property damage were filed.
“Subsequently, another group of Nigerians approached the Police Station and made threats of retaliation.
“The Operational Commander urged the group to disperse. However, upon dispersing, the group caused damage to police vehicles. Another four suspects were arrested for malicious property damage,” the statement read.
Koliswa Otola, the Police Commissioner for the province, praised the officers for apprehending the suspects.
“We will not tolerate such lawless behavior,” the commissioner stated.
“We are processing the suspects and collaborating with Home Affairs to verify their legal status in the country.
“Police will continue to enforce the authority of the state in the Northern Cape Province,” Otola added.
