South African police protect their injured colleague during clashes with students at Johannesburg's University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. The students' refusal to accept fee hikes is another blow for Africa's most advanced economy, which is at risk of being cut to "junk" by ratings agencies later this year.
REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) says a Nigerian suspected drug dealer attacked one of its officers during an operation in Randburg, north of South Africa’s biggest city.
JMPD said its officers were following a lead on the Nigerian suspect on Sunday afternoon and when they arrived at the scene, the suspect called for reinforcement, alleging he was being robbed.
“This led to a violent attack on one of the officers,” the city police said in a statement.
“During the ensuing events, two suspects were shot, one was critically injured and taken to Olivedale Hospital, and the other sustained a hand wound. He was treated at the scene by paramedics and subsequently arrested.
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“A third suspect, who transported the critically injured suspect to the hospital, was identified by the officers and apprehended. The officer’s firearm was recovered by Douglasdale SAPS. A police vehicle was damaged in the course of the incident.”
Lesiba Thobakgale, South African Policing Union (SAPU) spokesperson, said an attack on the police is an attack on the state.
“Police killings or attacks should be declared treason as it is crime against the state and the state has a responsibility to protect police officers who are representing the state and not themselves,” Thobakgale said.
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“This action will show that the government is taking such barbaric acts seriously.”
JPMD said a case of attempted murder and public violence has been opened for further investigation.
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