Tensions flared in Westbury, Johannesburg, on Tuesday when members of the South African Police Service's Anti-Gang Unit were forced to abandon a crime operation after coming under attack from residents.
The officers were conducting a routine stop-and-search operation in the area when they arrested a suspect in possession of drugs. Shortly thereafter, community members allegedly began pelting the officers with rocks and bottles, prompting the unit to withdraw from the scene for safety reasons.
Police confirmed that no officers were injured during the incident, and none of the police vehicles sustained damage.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has strongly condemned the attack, calling it counterproductive to ongoing efforts to combat crime in gang-ridden communities.
“Residents regularly raise concerns about rampant crime and violent turf wars involving drug dealers and traffickers,” Masemola said. “Yet, when law enforcement takes action, those very efforts are disrupted by the same communities.”
Masemola urged members of the Anti-Gang Unit not to be discouraged by the incident and to continue their work in dismantling organised crime networks.
Police have not indicated whether any arrests have been made in connection with the attack on officers, but investigations are ongoing.