Eight Nigerians have been taken into custody by the South African police for reportedly fighting police during a drug operation.
The suspects were taken into custody in the province of the Northern Cape, the police said in a statement released on Friday.
According to the police, the suspects also caused damage to other properties and cars.
“At the time of the arrest, police were tracing information of one of the Nigerian nationals being in possession of drugs,” the statement reads.
“While conducting this search, a large group of Nigerians attacked police. Police fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
“One suspect was arrested for illegal possession of drugs, and three suspects were arrested for public violence and detained at Kimberley Police Station.
“During processing, the suspects broke windows at the station. Additional charges of malicious damage to property were added.
“Another group of Nigerians later approached the Police Station and threatened to retaliate.
“The Operational Commander warned the group to disperse.
“However, upon dispersing, the group damaged police vehicles. Another four suspects were arrested for malicious damage to property.”
Koliswa Otola, police commissioner for the province, commended officers for the arrest of the suspects.
Otola condemned acts of violence against law enforcement agents, saying those who prevent police from exercising their duties “will be dealt with harshly”.
“We will not allow such lawless behaviour,” the commissioner said.
“We are processing the suspects and working with Home Affairs to determine if they are legally or illegally in the country.
“Police will continue to stamp the authority of the state in the Northern Cape Province.”
