Mob turns on police after they raid notorious Roodepoort ‘drug house’

In carrying out their duties, the fight against crime includes pushback from those protecting their own interests, Roodepoort Record reports.

Police were swarmed by a disgruntled group of community members after a routine drug bust turned violent, July 6. The angry mob was attempting to prevent the arrest of the suspects after an altercation ensued while police were carrying out a raid, which left one police officer hospitalised and one pit bull dead.

The incident occurred at roughly midday on 6th Avenue, a short distance away from Ruth Street in Florida, Roodepoort.

The raid was the culmination of an undercover operation that had been monitoring the house, observing the movements of those frequenting the residence. Clientele who had recently purchased illegal substances were stopped by police a short distance away and once confirmed, undercover police members attempted to gain entry to the house on 6th Avenue.

Initially denied access by the occupants, authorities forced their way in and began to conduct their search. The occupants of the alleged drug house kept two pit bulls as security, and while police searched the house, one dog was released by a suspect. Fortunately, the dog bit an officer on the ankle of his protective boot but after a warning, the suspect again released the power-breed, which subsequently gained a vice-like grip on an officer’s calf.

Unable to free their colleague from the animal’s jaws, officers were forced to shoot the pit bull, fatally injuring the dog. The commotion inside the premises drew the attention of onlookers and those connected to the suspects, who began angrily protesting the arrest.

“The members on scene were then aggressively confronted by approximately 30 members of the community wanting to prevent the arrest of the suspects,” said Florida Community Policing Forum chairperson, Prashan Sukhu.

Heavily outnumbered and blocked from exiting the house they had just raided, authorities called for assistance, prompting the arrival of several police and private security companies. The mob was dispersed and police were able to complete the arrest of three suspects while the officer who sustained the dog bite, was transported to hospital where he is now recovering.

Florida Police station commander, Colonel Amos Tsotetsi, confirmed the incident while asking the community to contribute to the upliftment of their area.

He stated, “Florida Police is requesting the community’s support in fighting crime by making sure that they are positively involved. The community is encouraged to report crime to save lives. The police are available to serve and protect, but vigilantism and mob justice will not be allowed.”