The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola has condemned the attack on members of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) while performing their duties.
The Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) is a unit in the SAPS that is responsible for combatting gangs and gang related crime such as dealing and trafficking of drugs as well as gang related shootings and murders. It is deployed in various hotspot areas for gang activity in various provinces including Gauteng. In Gauteng they are deployed in areas such as Eldorado Park, Westbury, Moffatview, Southhills, Mohlakeng, Toekomsrus and Sophiatown.
On Tuesday afternoon at about 15:50, members of the anti-gang unit were busy patrolling the area and conducting stop and searches along Steytler Street in Westbury when they found a man in possession of drugs. Members immediately placed the suspect under arrest, and that is when community members started mobilising themselves and throwing police officers with rocks and bottles. Members tactically withdrew from the operation by ensuring the safety of the very community that was attacking them.
General Fannie Masemola has expressed his disappointment in the conduct of this community that quite often complain about high crime levels in the area including the fight over turf between drug dealers and traffickers.
“The community of Westbury have from time to time been complaining about the high levels of crime including drug dealing in the area. We have deployed the anti-gang unit to deal decisively with this type of crime, but it seems as though when police take charge and enforce the law, communities turn on them and attack them. We cannot allow such a situation. We need the community to appreciate, support and work with the police and not attack them. We cannot and will not tolerate this lawlessness. Our members will continue to discharge their duties without fear or favour”, said Gen Masemola.
No police officer nor any police vehicle were damaged during the attack as members tactically withdrew by discharging a warning shot. General Masemola has encouraged members of the Anti-Gang-Unit (AGU) not to be deterred and to continue with the great work of preventing and combatting gang violence in the area without fear or favour.