A case of public violence and assault is being investigated by Grabouw SAPS, after officers came under attack at a shebeen in the area.

Members of the Caledon Public Order Police were shutting down an illegal liquor establishment in the Covid Informal Settlement there yesterday afternoon when the violence broke out.  

The Western Cape SAPS’s Thembakazi Mpendukana said one of the officers was injured.

“According to reports, the members asked the people to leave the shebeen and as they split in separate directions, they started throwing stones and bottles to the police members leading to one of them getting hurt on the head and he received medical treatment,” said Mpendukana. 

In a statement, Grabouw SAPS Station Commander Colonel Coetzee said their station’s commitment to intensifying operations at local police stations will not waver because of this incident. 

“These establishments remain at the center of serious violent contact crimes, such as murder, assault, armed robbery, gender-based violence, and other criminal activities that continue to threaten the safety and wellbeing of our communities. We will not be intimidated or deterred by criminal elements seeking to undermine policing efforts and destabilise our communities,” said Coetzee.  

Police have not confirmed any arrests in connection with this case.

Coetzee’s statement on social media noted that two shebeens were closed and the owners thereof arrested. It is not clear at this stage whether the people reported to be arrested will face any charges in connection with the attack on the police officers.  

Further to this, Coetzee called on the community to unite against crime and work together to protect the community.  

The local Community Policing Forum also condemned the attack and called on police to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested soon.   

“Violence against police officials can never be justified,” read the CPF’s statement.