Cop beaten and stoned in Groblersdal protest

The South African Police Service in Limpopo have condemned attacks on law enforcement agencies during protests.

A police officer was beaten and stoned while a police vehicle was set alight during a protest in Zaaiplaas near Groblersdal‚ said Limpopo police.

"It is alleged that a group of community members from Zaaiplaas went on rampage following their protest actions which started on Tuesday by barricading the R579 road‚" said Lieutenant Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe.

"Two police officers were performing their normal duties when this group turned against them‚ attacked them with various assortment of objects‚ including stones. This led to a police constable sustaining some injuries. Reinforcements were sent to the area and the situation has now been normalized‚" he said.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nneke Ledwaba rebuked the "mushrooming tendencies" of attacks on police members‚ Ngoepe said.

"Community members are seriously warned that the police will take stern legal actions to defend themselves‚ any other person or property against these attacks‚" said Ledwaba.

"Community members are expected to support and embrace the police in their endeavour to fight crime rather than attacking them. Those who participated in this heinous act are going to be hunted down until they are brought to book."

Cases of malicious damage to property and assault have been opened and investigations are continuing‚ the police said. No arrests have been made.

“Anyone with information which can lead to the arrest of the suspects involved in this matter‚ may contact Captain Richard Boshomane at 079 894 5501 or the crime stop number 0860010111 or the crime line sms 32211 or the nearest Police.”