Eight South African-based Nigerians have been apprehended for allegedly attacking police officers during a drug raid.
The suspects, who damaged vehicles and other property during the raid, were arrested in the Northern Cape province.
The South African Police, in a statement on Friday shared on its X handle, said its officers were attacked when they were tracing information of one of the Nigerian nationals being in possession of drugs.
The officers followed up on information regarding drugs delivered at a house in Madiba Square in Prieska.
Upon arrival the team requested permission to search the premises, which was granted by the suspect and found mandrax tablets, cocaine and crystal meth with an estimated street value of R68 490-00.
The suspect was arrested and charged for illegal possession of drugs
The statement read : “While conducting this search, a large group of Nigerians attacked police. Police fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
“One suspect was arrested for illegal possession of drugs, and three suspects were arrested for public violence and detained at Kimberley Police Station.
“During processing, the suspects broke windows at the station. Additional charges of malicious damage to property were added.
“Another group of Nigerians later approached the Police Station and threatened to retaliate.
“The Operational Commander warned the group to disperse. However, upon dispersing, the group damaged police vehicles. Another four suspects were arrested for malicious damage to property,” the statement read in part.
The Police Commissioner for the province, Koliswa Otola, commended officers for the arrest of the suspects.
“We will not allow such lawless behaviour,” the commissioner said.
“We are processing the suspects and working with Home Affairs to determine if they are legally or illegally in the country.
“Police will continue to stamp the authority of the state in the Northern Cape Province,” Otola added.
