Two Tshwane metro police officers were assaulted by allegedly intoxicated individuals during a night patrol in Pretoria West on Sunday, prompting strong condemnation from local officials and a call for respect between the public and law enforcement.

The officers were conducting visible policing when they stopped a vehicle with four occupants at the intersection of WF Nkomo Street and Elandsfontein Road.

TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said: “They stopped the vehicle to investigate the situation, but the passengers, who were under the influence of alcohol, refused to cooperate and quickly became aggressive, attacking our members. Two officers were injured during the altercation, prompting a call for backup,” he said.

When backup arrived, the suspects tried to flee the scene by driving off, hitting one of the officers and damaging the police vehicle. 

Mahamba said the suspects were arrested and they are facing charges of assault, attempted murder, and malicious damage to property.

“The two injured members were taken to the hospital for medical treatment and later discharged. The TMPD is determined to protect its members and will not tolerate any form of disregard for the law,” he said.

Tshwane’s MMC for Community Safety, Hannes Coetzee, strongly condemned the violent attack on two metro police officers, saying: “We are trying to protect our officers and it is not right for members of the public, especially those who have been drinking, to attack officers. That is not acceptable.”

He stressed the importance of mutual respect between the public and police officers. 

“We need to protect the community but they also need to respect the police officers. We are speaking against any attack against police officers. They are always putting their lives on the line to protect us,” he said.

Coetzee stated that the Tshwane metro police have a memorandum of understanding with national and provincial SAPS, aiming to build intergovernmental relations and ensure public safety. 

“We have zero tolerance when it comes to corruption and crime,” he said, adding that the violent incident against the metro police officers was an isolated incident. 

Chief of metro police, Commissioner Yolande Faro, praised the officers for their bravery and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. 

She also issued a stern warning to the public, stating that anyone who attacks her team will face severe consequences.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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