Eight Nigerians living in South Africa have been arrested for allegedly attacking police officers during a drug raid.
The South African Police reported on Friday via its X account that the arrests occurred in the Northern Cape province.
The statement noted that the suspects also damaged vehicles and other property during the incident.
“During the arrest, police were searching for a Nigerian national suspected of possessing drugs.
“While conducting the search, a large group of Nigerians attacked the police. Officers used rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
“One suspect was detained for illegal drug possession, while three others were held for public violence and taken to Kimberley Police Station.
“At the station, the suspects broke windows, resulting in additional charges of malicious damage to property.
“A separate group of Nigerians approached the Police Station later and threatened retaliation.
“The Operational Commander warned the group to disperse, but as they left, they damaged police vehicles. Four more suspects were arrested for malicious damage to property,” the statement partly read.
The Police Commissioner for the province, Koliswa Otola, praised the officers for arresting the suspects.
“We will not tolerate such lawless behavior,” the commissioner stated.
“We are processing the suspects and collaborating with Home Affairs to determine their legal status in the country.
“Police will maintain state authority in the Northern Cape Province,” Otola added.
