- A video filmed on Monday on the R503 near Klerksdorp caused confusion after viewers believed an officer was under attack.
- North West officials say community members beat robbery suspects hiding in a traffic vehicle.
A traffic police vehicle was attacked by a crowd on a busy North West road on Monday.
The incident happened on the R503 between Klerksdorp and Hartbeesfontein.
In the video, people are seen hitting and surrounding a traffic vehicle. Many social media users believed a traffic officer inside was being attacked.
Officials say that is not what happened.
North West MEC for community safety and transport management Wessels Morweng and acting provincial police commissioner Ryno Naidoo say no traffic officers were hurt.
They say the people being beaten were two men suspected of armed robbery.
According to officials, the suspects, aged 44 and 26, had just committed an armed robbery when community members began chasing them.
A traffic officer on patrol was stopped during the chase. The suspects ran into the traffic vehicle to hide from the people pursuing them.
The crowd then attacked the suspects inside the vehicle. The traffic officer immediately called for police backup.
The suspects were badly injured and taken to hospital, where they remain under police guard.
Police seized a firearm and ammunition at the scene.
The two men face charges including armed robbery and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The younger suspect also faces a charge of violating the Immigration Act.
They are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court once they are discharged from hospital.
Pictured above: Police tape.
Image source: File
