Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has strongly condemned attacks on Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers who were allegedly assaulted by community members while responding to gang-related gunfire in Hanover Park on Tuesday.

According to the department, the officers were on patrol when they heard gunshots and immediately responded, driving into what appeared to be an active shooting incident between rival gangs.

During the operation, one officer spotted a suspected gunman and gave chase. The suspect was apprehended and searched, and officers recovered a firearm.

The situation, however, escalated when a group of community members began throwing stones at the officers and attempted to attack them in an effort to prevent the arrest.

Two officers were struck with stones, but they were not seriously injured.

“Due to the growing threat to their safety, officers were forced to release the suspect and withdraw from the scene to protect themselves,” added the department in a statement

The recovered firearm, a .38 Special revolver containing one live round and four empty cartridges, was secured and later booked as evidence at Philippi police station.

Later that evening, the officers reportedly returned to the area on foot but, despite searching several locations the suspect frequents, he was not located.

“It is extremely concerning that officers who risk their lives to protect communities are being attacked while carrying out their duties. The individuals responsible for these shootings are the same perpetrators who continue to terrorise residents and contribute to the tragic loss of life on the Cape Flats,” added Marais.

Marais added that a similar incident occurred on 17 February when LEAP officers were attacked while arresting a suspect for possession of a prohibited firearm in Hanover Park, allowing the suspect to escape. He was later re-arrested at his residence and linked to the firearm offence.