Eight Nigerians have been arrested in the Northern Cape province of South Africa for attacking policemen during a drug raid.
In a statement on Friday, the police said the suspects damaged property and vehicles in the attack.
“At the time of the arrest, police were tracing information of one of the Nigerian nationals being in possession of drugs,” the statement reads.
“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.”
Koliswa Otola, police commissioner for the province, commended officers for the arrest of the suspects.
Otola condemned acts of violence against law enforcement agents, saying those who prevent police from exercising their duties “will be dealt with harshly”.
He added that the suspects would be screened to determine if they are in the country legally or illegally.
