Six people arrested for public violence in Ecaleni Section
The officers were compelled to use rubber bullets to disperse the group
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) responded to a land invasion in progress complaint at Ecaleni Section on September 24 around 1pm.
According to the EMPD media liaison officer, Kobeli Mokheseng, as the officers approached the site, more than 150 people carrying shovels, picks, crowbars and hammers blocked the roadway, preventing them from passing through.
“They tried to reason with them that they cannot deny them access to the public road, while the officers were trying to execute their duties and it was wrong to occupy the land illegally. The officers requested to speak with their leaders/representatives before they refused. A group alleged the City Council and the metro police have received a court interdict for stopping them to occupy the land,” said Mokheseng.
Mokheseng added the EMPD did not receive any court interdict pertaining to that land and they requested a copy of the court order which they failed to provide.
“The crowd was instructed not to erect any structure and to leave the place along with their building materials. They declined. As we were moving in to demolish all unoccupied structures, the mob revolted and assaulted officers with the tools they were carrying, including throwing stones,” he added.
He further said the precinct commander had to be rushed to Arwyp Hospital for a few stitches after he was assaulted with a shovel.
“The officers were compelled to use rubber bullets to disperse the group, while calling for more manpower from other nearby units, including the SAPS. Tear gas was also used to disperse the unruly crowd that kept on throwing stones at them.
“Approximately 30 unoccupied structures were demolished and six people were arrested and charged at the Tembisa Police Station with public violence, assault of a police officer and obstructing a police officer while performing his duties. Two motor vehicles belonging to suspects that were on scene were also impounded and taken to the EMPD pound in Kempton Park,” said Mokheseng.
