Cape Town – Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department ( JMPD) with the assistance of private security guards arrested three men who reportedly threw racial slurs and assaulted two officers in Elandspark on Sunday morning.
The trio was charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The officers were driving a private vehicle on their way to work when the altercation occurred, said JMPD in a statement.
“The two JMPD officers stopped at a red traffic light at Heidelberg Road and Van Wyk Louw Road in Elandspark next to a white Volkswagen Amarok single cab bakkie.
‘The male driver and two male passengers from the bakkie started insulting them in a derogatory manner yelling racial slurs. The officers ignored them, and when the traffic light turned green both vehicles moved,” said JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla.
He said the passengers from the bakkie “threw empty alcohol bottles at the officers’ vehicle” and that’s when the officers stopped to investigate what was the issue.
However, when the officers approached the Amarok, they were attacked by the driver and passengers, and an officer was punched in the face.
“Whilst this physical confrontation was going on, a security patrol service in the area witnessed the altercation and came to the officers’ assistance. They managed to restrain and arrest two males, as one male managed to flee with the Amarok bakkie,” Fihla said.
Backup was called and the third suspect was tracked and arrested at his place of residence.
“The three were detained at Moffatview SAPS and charged with assaulting police officials.
“The two officers were taken to Milpark Hospital for medical treatment after sustaining injuries to the face and arms,” Fihla said.
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Picture: Facebook/ Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department
Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
