Eight Nigerians Apprehended in Northern Cape for Assaulting Police and Damaging Vehicles
Police in the Northern Cape detained eight Nigerians after they attacked officers and vandalised vehicles.
The incident occurred while police were investigating one of the Nigerian nationals for drug possession. During the search, a large group of Nigerians assaulted the officers. To disperse the crowd, police used rubber bullets. One individual was apprehended for drug possession, while three were arrested for inciting public violence and held at Kimberley Police Station. While being processed, these suspects damaged station windows, leading to additional charges of property destruction.
Later, another group of Nigerians threatened retaliation outside the Police Station. Despite warnings from the Operational Commander, they damaged police vehicles upon dispersal. Four more individuals were arrested for property damage.
Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, confirmed the incidents and condemned the behavior. He emphasized that those obstructing police duties will face severe consequences. Collaborating with Home Affairs, the police are verifying the legal status of the Nigerians in South Africa.
“We will not allow such lawless behaviour. 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,” he said.
Reacting to the incident, South Africans speculated that Nigerians are too comfortable because they are protected by someone at the top. Several individuals suggested that the outcome would have been different if the altercation had taken place with the KwaZulu Natal police. Here are some of the reactions: