The South African Police Service (SAPS) said eight Nigerians have been arrested after they attacked police officers and damaged SAPS vehicles on Thursday night.
According to SAPS, the incident was due to an incident where police officers were following up on information and the whereabouts of a Nigerian alleged to have drugs.
“While conducting this search, a large group of Nigerians attacked police. Police fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd,” spokesperson for SAPS Northern Cape provincial, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said.
Ehlers said one suspect was arrested for illegal possession of drugs, and three others were arrested for public violence and detained at the Kimberley police station.
“During processing (inside the SAPS building), the suspects broke windows at the station. Additional charges of malicious damage to property were added.”
She said moments later, another group of Nigerians approached the police station and threatened to retaliate.
The operational commander warned the group to disperse and while dispersing, the group damaged police vehicles.
Another four Nigerian nationals were arrested on charges of malicious damage to property.
The police spokesperson said police are still collating information on the number of damaged SAPS vehicles.
“It was absolute chaos last night,” she added.
Meanwhile, Northern Cape provincial commissioner of police, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola has welcomed the arrests.
Otola condemned the incident and added that anyone who prevents police from exercising their duties “will be dealt with harshly”.
