Western Cape police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile has issued a stern warning to Cape Flats communities who resort to stone-throwing to target officers attending crime scenes, particularly in areas like Manenberg. | Lisaleesolomon1
Police say more and more officers are coming under attack by local residents who prevent them from carrying out their duties, or arresting suspects.
"Members of the community who participate in criminal activities should not expect any mercy when they find themselves on the wrong side of the law, as they will be dealt with accordingly," he warned.that stoning cases have become so severe that, in some instances, officers are often left with no other choice but to let the suspects go, and leave the area.
They added that the recent spate of attacks on SAPS members and other law enforcement agencies in the Manenberg policing precinct was"regrettable and unwarranted". Guy Lamb, a professor of political science at Stellenbosch University, said stone-throwing incidents could be attributed to many historical and political factors, with protests being against poor service delivery and poor policing.
Echoing Lamb's sentiment, Manenberg community policing forum chairperson Vernon Visagie said the increase in stone-throwing attacks on officers was due to a lack of trust between residents and the police. He added that police management should be firm in their warnings to residents that these attacks will not be tolerated.Get News24 editor Adriaan Basson's weekly take on the news, first and exclusive in your inbox every Monday morning.Western Cape CPF chairperson Fransina Lukas said they were aware of the increase in stoning incidents on the Cape Flats.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Western Cape Infrastructure committed to improving energy resilience - SABC NewsThe Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers says his department is committed to addressing the province’s energy resilience through various infrastructure projects.
Read more »
SA's cannabis industry worth as much as R28bn, says Western Cape governmentProvincial MEC for Agriculture, Ivan Meyer, said the industry would also create over 25,000 jobs, which would help alleviate poverty.
Read more »
UWC applies for permit for prescribed burn in Cape Flats Nature ReserveThe portion of the Cape Flats Nature Reserve has not been burned in nearly 40 years, resulting in bush encroachment, said the University of the Western Cape.
Read more »
Law enforcement in Cape Town accused of harassing homeless in District Six | News24The City of Cape Town's law enforcement, which included traffic and metro police, SAPS and the City Improvement District, held a joint operation in the city centre.
Read more »
City of Cape Town law enforcement accused of harassmentThe City of Cape Town Law Enforcement unit has been accused of invading District 6, an area occupied by the displaced and harassed them.
Read more »