Police management in Tshwane made a statement clarifying events captured in a video that was shared on various social media sites, showing plain-clothed police officers arresting a suspect.

According to police, the incident occurred in Valhalla, Wierdabrug, on the afternoon of May 30.

Spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the Wierdabrug police were conducting a targeted operation on Friday afternoon at around 16:30.

She said the operation was part of an ongoing effort to clamp down on alleged drug-related activities in the area. “The suspect was found at one of the locations in Valhalla that had been flagged for possible drug dealing.”

“Officers, operating in plain clothes, introduced themselves to the suspect, searched him, and reportedly discovered drugs in his possession,” said Moridili.

Muridili said the arrest did not go smoothly. “A man and a woman allegedly intervened in the arrest, attempting to obstruct the police.”

“The suspect also tried to resist being detained, leading to a chaotic scene that drew the attention of onlookers and was subsequently recorded and circulated online.”

To manage the situation, the officers called in the assistance of the local Community Police Forum, and all three individuals, the 23-year-old suspect and the two 24-year-old accomplices were eventually taken into custody.

Muridili further alleges that during the commotion, one of the individuals stabbed the rear left tyre of an unmarked police vehicle, resulting in a charge of malicious damage to property in addition to interference with police duties.

All three suspects are expected to appear in court soon. The primary suspect will face a charge of possession of drugs, while the other two have been charged with interfering in police operations and damaging state property.

The police have reiterated the importance of allowing law enforcement officers to perform their duties without obstruction and warned against tampering with police vehicles or interfering in lawful arrests.

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