Valhalla Park violence: 11 arrests made following attack on law enforcement
Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais has welcomed the arrest of 11 suspects linked to the recent attack on Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers in Valhalla Park, a week ago.
The arrests followed after a LEAP patrol vehicle responding to gunfire in Valhalla Park came under attack. The vehicle was stoned, looted, and crashed into a wall, injuring three people. At least three other law enforcement vehicles responding to the scene were also attacked.
During the operation, officers traced a stolen cellphone from one of the looted vehicles to a known drug house in Kalksteenfontein.
A joint operation between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and City agencies led to an arrest at the property for possession of mandrax. The suspect admitted to having had the stolen phone before his brother sold it on.
Investigators also recovered other stolen items, including three Samsung tablets, a reflective vest, a body-worn camera, a hand radio, bank cards, and a set of car keys, linking the house directly to the Valhalla Park violence.
Additionally, two suspects, aged 22 and 29, were apprehended in connection with the attack and found in possession of firearms and ammunition. These weapons were later confirmed as stolen from incidents in Soweto and Kraaifontein.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith condemned the attacks, saying: “The events in Valhalla Park over the weekend must be condemned in the strongest terms, and the City will oppose bail for those arrested in connection with the attack on our officers.”
Marais described the attacks on law enforcement as “unacceptable and deeply concerning,” stressing that such acts undermine community safety and calling on residents to support law enforcement efforts to restore peace and stability.
“The theft of critical crime-fighting resources, especially given the severe under-resourcing of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape, is unacceptable.”
“I commend the City of Cape Town and SAPS for their swift action. This is a strong reminder of what can be achieved when law enforcement entities work together”, Marais concluded.
The case is remanded to 22 September.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za