Khayelitsha residents have accused police officers of setting fire to their own Nyala armoured vehicle during a violent service delivery protest in Thembeni and Empolweni on Wednesday.

The communities had taken to the streets demanding electricity when chaos erupted on Wednesday evening. Around 8:40pm, a petrol bomb was allegedly thrown at a South African Police Service (SAPS) vehicle.

According to Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, members of the Public Order Police Faure (POPS) were responding to the protest, where approximately 180 residents had gathered.

“Allegedly, the crowd was pushed back utilising a police Nyala. When the members were reversing back to Baden Powell, they noticed smoke inside the vehicle, and they jumped out of the vehicle and noticed that it was on fire. Fire and Rescue were called to extinguish the fire. The members did not sustain any injuries,” said Van Wyk.

He confirmed that the circumstances surrounding the burning of the SAPS Nyala are under investigation.

“Four adult males were arrested for attempted murder, public violence, and malicious damage to property in connection with the incident last night. The suspects are due to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court on 17 October 2025. This case docket was transferred to Provincial Detectives for further investigation.”

However, community leader Bulelani Qolani rejected claims that protesters were responsible for the incident.

“On Wednesday, the officers arrived in the Nyala (commonly referred to as a hippo). They assaulted people, then they parked the hippo on a burning tyre. The police must speak the truth; they did this to the state vehicle,” he said.

“They passed by us, and they shot people. There was no engagement with the people; they just fired shots at them. They didn’t even ask where the leaders were. The protesters are young people, aged between 12 and 15 years, but four adults were arrested.”

Qolani said residents were not seeking confrontation but basic services.

“All we want is electricity, not a fight. We have been told over and over that we have built on the wetland when there is a power station built where our shacks are,” he said.

Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais condemned the attack on police during the protest.

“I am outraged and disturbed by the attack on officers and the destruction of an armoured vehicle. This brazen attack on police officers is unacceptable and an affront to law enforcement,” Marais said.

“While I understand and acknowledge the frustrations of residents who face socio-economic challenges, there is absolutely no justification for attacking law enforcement officers or destroying the very resources meant to protect our communities,” she added.

“The Western Cape, like many parts of the country, is already severely under-resourced when it comes to policing. We cannot afford to lose essential equipment that plays a vital role in ensuring public order and protecting both officers and residents in high-risk areas. Destroying these tools of safety only further undermines our collective fight against crime and lawlessness.

“I call on the SAPS to do everything within their power to track down those responsible for this criminal act and ensure they are brought to justice. We cannot, and must not, allow attacks on the state and its resources to go unpunished. It sets a dangerous precedent and erodes the rule of law,” Marais said.

In a separate incident, on Tuesday, at 9:45pm, a bus was set alight while approximately 150 disgruntled community members staged a demonstration on Baden Powell Drive.

Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said: “They pelted the vehicles with stones, and in the process they set a bus alight. The police took action and dispersed the crowd. The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.

“Makhaza police registered cases of public violence, malicious damage to property, and damage to essential infrastructure. We appeal to anyone with information to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile Application MySAPS anonymously.”

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

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