On Wednesday May 17, Manenberg police were attacked by a group of women while making an arrest in Manenberg.
According to Manenberg police spokesman, Captain Ian Bennett, police had been arresting a 33-year-old man for the possession of 22 mandrax tablets, five half mandrax tablets, units of tik and a parcel of dagga when a group of people – mainly women – started stoning police, demanding the release of the suspect.
Police then called for back-up as they tried to contain situation before it became volatile. Captain Bennett said the suspect had then also become violent and punched an officer in the face. The police vehicle was also damaged in the commotion.
“This action by the community seems to be persisting and it cannot and will not be tolerated. SAPS members are doing their utmost to combat crime and reducing crimes against women and children and in this incident women attacked SAPS members while they were performing their duties,” Captain Bennett said.
“We need to change this type of behaviour.”
He also said that there was a perception that dagga had become legal.
“The law on dagga has not been changed and dagga (is) still illegal. The recreational use or the possession of dagga is still illegal. The courts have made a ruling on dagga now the law has to change. As long as the law and the schedule of drug doesn’t change, dagga remains illegal,” he warned.
A police officer arrested a 17-year-old in Basil Crescent, Kewtown, for being in possession of a silver Amadeo Rossi .38 Special and five bullets, on Tuesday May 16. The day before, police had arrested a man in 12th Avenue, Bokmakierie, for carrying a Taurus pistol and two “stoppe” of dagga. The gun had been reported stolen in 2005.
