Watch: Police vow action after viral Kimberley assault on SAPS officers

SAPS has strongly condemned the behaviour captured in a video circulating on social media showing two officers, including a female officer, being attacked in Kimberley.

“The subsequent arrest of the two men who attacked the female police officer should serve as a deterrent that the police will not allow an attack on its own and will not tolerate any [gender-based violence and femicide] against its members,” said national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

Bloemfontein Courant reports that as SAPS launched its Safer Festive Season operations in Bloemfontein yesterday, national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola warned that the police will not tolerate attacks on its members.

“Anyone who tries to stop police officers in carrying out their mandate in preventing and combating crime will be met with the full might of the law. An attack on a police officer is an attack on the state and also an attack on national security.”

Mathe added that police officers are mothers and fathers who leave their families to risk their lives maintaining law and order, ensuring that everyone within South Africa’s borders is safe at all times.

“South Africans have a similar responsibility to protect police officers and stand up against police attacks and killings,” she added. “By interfering with or obstructing police officers in the performance of their duties, community members become part of the crime and undermine any attempt to address crime in their communities. Communities cannot pick and choose who they believe should be arrested or prosecuted.”

SAPS commended the officers involved in the incident for exercising restraint and choosing not to use their firearms, thereby avoiding further loss of life.

“The festive season is upon us and we will be out there to ensure everyone in South Africa is protected,” said Mathe. “Be safe, be vigilant, and report any wrongdoing — but most importantly, respect the blue uniform and the blue uniform will serve and protect you.”

The video below contains strong language. Watch it here:

• The faces of the suspects were blurred as it is unclear whether they made their first court appearance yet.

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