Thirteen foreign nationals arrested for attack on Mankweng police
Mankweng police officers were in the process of tracing a suspect dealing in drugs when they were ambushed and assaulted by a group of men.
POLOKWANE – Thirteen foreign nationals will appear before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court today on charges of attempted murder and assault GBH following their arrest on Tuesday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the foreigners were arrested following an extensive investigation that was launched after a brazen attack on police officers on July 16 in Mankweng.
“The suspects, aged between 20 and 42-years-old were all arrested in Unit F, Mankweng, by members of Provincial Organised Crime Unit and Tactical Response Team during an operation,” he said.
Ledwaba said the arrest stems from an attack on police officers who were ambushed by a group of suspects who threw stones at them and assaulted them.
“The officers were busy with an investigation to trace a suspect dealing in drugs when the incident happened. Some officers sustained injuries and were transported to hospital for medical treatment. At the time, the suspects managed to evade arrest,” his statement read.
The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has strongly condemned the incident.
“We will not tolerate brazen acts of violence against our police officers. The suspects will face the full might of the law,” she said.
