In two separate incidents, police officials were threatened with knives and assaulted by the assailants they were arresting.
During the first incident on Tuesday, 14 February, members of the Welkom Public Order Policing unit were off-duty when they responded to an incident where an off-duty police officer’s private vehicle was broken into and valuable items were stolen.
The suspect threatened the police member with two knives, but was overpowered and arrested. The off-duty police sergeant from Wesselsbron was visiting his family in the K9 Section of Kutloanong when the incident occurred.
He had parked his private vehicle outside but was later alerted by the sound of breaking glass, and his vehicle alarm went off.
“He quickly came out of the house and saw the suspect busy stealing his belongings through the window on the driver’s side. The suspect then dropped the stolen items and fled the scene,” says Capt. Stephen Thakeng, media liaison officer for the Lejweleputswa police.
“He was chased by residents and the off-duty police official. He ran onto his own residence and armed himself with two knives and warned people not to enter into his yard,” says Thakeng.
Back-up from members of the Welkom Public Order Policing unit was requested, who were also off-duty. They tactically entered the premises and found the suspect still armed with two knives.
“Minimum force had to be used to disarm him. The 27-year-old man was arrested, and charged with theft out of a motor vehicle and possession of dangerous weapons. Two knives were also seized,” says Thakeng.
On 15 February at about 15:32, two Thabong police officials attended to a domestic violence complaint. A woman was abused by her boyfriend and her cellphone was forcefully taken.
The suspect violently assaulted the two police officials but they managed to overpower him. The 29-year-old suspect was arrested and is facing charges of attacking the police officials.
The acting district commissioner of Lejweleputswa, Brig. Envor Solomon applauded the police members of Thabong and the Welkom Public Order Policing unit for their commitment and dedication to ensure that when they are attacked, they manage to use minimum force to overpower those trying to undermine the authority of the state.
“We are more than ready and prepared to face all situations,” he said.
