An anti-gang operation in which drugs were recovered, and four people were arrested in Joe Slovo, near Heidedal in Bloemfontein, descended into chaos when police officers were forced to fend off pit bull terriers and an angry mob pelting them with stones.

According to a media statement by the Free State police, the provincial Anti-Gang Unit executed a search warrant at a property in Joe Slovo early yesterday morning (June 16). When the officers entered the house, the homeowner allegedly unleashed his dogs on two of them. They escaped serious injury and secured the premises.

However, the situation escalated after crystal meth and cash, suspected to be the proceeds of crime, were discovered on the property. The homeowner was arrested.

According to police, an angry crowd mobilised outside the property and began pelting officers with stones, damaging their vehicles in the process.

Police officers from Heidedal SAPS were called in as backup. When they arrived at the scene, their vehicle was also pelted with stones and severely damaged.

The Free State Anti-Gang Unit deployed stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. They preserved evidence and arrested four people.

The suspects include the homeowner (45) and another man (20), who were arrested inside the property. Two other suspects, aged 26 and 51, were arrested in connection with the attack on the police officers and vehicles.

The homeowner and the 20-year-old suspect face charges of dealing in drugs, while the homeowner is facing an additional charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm for allegedly setting his dogs on the officers.

The other two suspects face charges of malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following the attack outside the property.

Police say the suspects will appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.