By Buziwe Nocuze
Police were arresting a suspect at the weekend in Hanover Park, Cape Town, when community members attacked them and damaged their vehicles.
Reagan Allen, the Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, on Monday condemned the attack on Law Enforcement Advanced Plan officers.
“The community members who allegedly participated in this lawless act should know that they have made themselves guilty of interference and obstructed officers of the law in executing their duties,” said Allen.
He said Hanover Park is plagued by gang violence and the police are committed to serving the community by actively addressing crime.
“This is the reason why we have increased our officer deployment, and the City of Cape Town has also ensured that additional Law Enforcement agencies are present in the area,” said Allen.
Kashiefa Mohammed, a Community Policing Forum spokesperson in Hanover Park, said over the past two weeks they have had nine murders and six attempted murders.
“Hanover Park is a war zone where there are daily shootings and internal fights amongst gangs,” said Mohammed.
She said pensioners are too scared to come out of the shopping mall because the bullets can strike them at any time.
She said there are women “who are supposed to be mothers” who cover for the gangsters until their children lie dead in the streets after being shot.
“Community members covering for gangsters need to know that they have blood on their hands. Stop siding with gangsters because our community is becoming a graveyard. Kids can’t enjoy their school holidays because of the daily shootings.”
Wayne Dyason, spokesperson for Law Enforcement, confirms that three patrol vehicles were damaged during attacks on officers in Hanover Park.
“We are asking people not to attack officers but rather work with them to create a safer environment,” said Dyason.
“Officers will continue to patrol the area and work with SAPS and other enforcement agencies.”
Pictured above: Hanover Park community members attacked Law Enforcement officers in an attempt to free a suspect.
Image source: Supplied
