S.Africa: Crime: Arrested armed gang member set free by mob who attacked police
(008274.77-E001840.93NAVRLOSUC20V)
[This happened in Cape Town. Jan]On 1 May 2021, at approximately 03:30, Kensington CPU members saw a known gang member, walking with an exposed firearm in Matroos Plein, Kensington. The well-known suspect was apprehended and the firearm confiscated.
The suspect immediately started calling out for help and approximately 30 unknown members of the community came out of their homes and threatened to shoot the police members if the suspect is not released.
The community members started throwing stones at the SAPS members and the vehicles and thereby aiding and abetting the gunman to escape.
The SAPS vehicles were slightly damaged. No shots were fired and no further arrests were made.
The firearm was positively linked to a Kimberley case and was handed in at Kensington SAPS on a charge of possession of unlicensed firearm and attack on police.
Incidents of violent crimes in the area as well as attacks on police are becoming a common occurrence and that is of grave concern to the SAPS management. Community members are reminded to respect the rule of law.