Western Cape police have arrested a 27-year-old man following an attack on Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers in Valhalla Park on Friday.

The suspect was taken into custody on charges of public violence and theft out of a motor vehicle.

Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason said the officers were deployed to the area as part of an ongoing operation when they heard gunshots at about 3.26pm.

“They came across a suspect running with a firearm, who pointed it at the vehicle. That was when the driver lost control and hit a wall, injuring three people in the process,” said Dyason.

He added that while the officers were attending to the injured, a group of bystanders allegedly turned on them.

“The patrol vehicle was stoned, and an attempt was made to set it alight.”

Dyason confirmed that municipal equipment was stolen from the vehicle during the attack.

“They stole three bodycams, EPIC devices, and cellphones from one of the vehicles,” he said.

Reinforcements were called to the scene, but those vehicles also came under attack.

“At least three more Law Enforcement vehicles that responded to the scene were stoned,” Dyason said.

The injured individuals were transported to Tygerberg Hospital for treatment. The LEAP officers involved in the incident were debriefed and provided with support through the city’s Employee Assistance Programme.

In addition to the arrest of the 27-year-old, Dyason confirmed that another person was arrested for malicious damage to property.

Investigations are continuing to trace additional suspects.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said further charges may follow.

“The possibility that more charges will be added is not excluded. The suspect will appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court once he has been charged,” Twigg said.

The City of Cape Town announced a R20,000 reward for information that could assist in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the stoning, attempted arson, and theft of city assets.

According to Dyason, anonymous tips can be submitted to the city’s 24/7 toll-free tip-off line at 0800 110 077. He said that all information would be kept confidential and the identities of informants would be protected.

Bishop Lavis Community Policing Forum Chairperson Amanda Davids said: “As BLCPF, we want to sympathise with the 3 victims and their families and pray for a speedy recovery.

“As a CPF, we strongly condemn the actions of the criminal element within the community of Valhalla Park, for the attack on Law Enforcement. It is never okay to take the law into your own hands.

“We want to urge the community to come forward with information, not only on this incident but on all illegal activities in your area.”

Subcouncil 15 Chairperson Angus McKenzie condemned the attack and urged the community to cooperate with law enforcement.

“I am horrified, disgusted, and deeply dismayed by the actions of certain community members in Valhalla Park. While the full details are still being established, what we do know is that three Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (LEAP) officers were viciously attacked. In addition, the patrol vehicle they were operating was vandalised and destroyed,” McKenzie said.

“This type of behaviour is absolutely unacceptable. It undermines the very foundation of safety and security in our communities. When law enforcement officers, who put their lives on the line daily to keep us safe, are attacked by the very people they serve, it creates a climate of fear and mistrust that weakens all of us.

“As communities, we must hold each other accountable. Those responsible for this heinous attack must not only be held accountable by the justice system but must also face condemnation from their own community. Violence against those tasked with protecting us can never be justified.

“It is extremely sad and disappointing that such an incident has taken place in Valhalla Park. We await a full report to understand the circumstances, but what remains clear is that a patrol vehicle has been severely damaged, a tragic outcome for all involved.”

He said the incident had caused serious concern.

“As Subcouncil 15 chairperson, I call on the community to stand together, to reject violence, and to work hand in hand with law enforcement to build a safer, stronger Valhalla Park.”

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

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