Residents flocked around the spectacle as the man dished out punches, striking several officers before being tackled to the ground.

Video footage shows the man, trapped inside a building, thrashing against the burglar proofing, followed by another scene, showing officers struggling to pacify him.

According to media spokesperson for the Middelburg SAPS, Captain Khanyisile Zwane, the man had entered a store to do shopping. He then whipped out a knife and trashed the store’s beverage section.

During the struggle to detain him, he assaulted two officers.

•The video contains scenes of violence and strong language, viewer discretion is advised.