Attacks on Metro Police officers are on the rise, with the latest incident unfolding in Athlone, where officers were pelted with stones while making an arrest.

Police had been responding to reports of gunfire at the Vlei informal settlement yesterday when they identified a suspect in possession of a firearm. The man attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended, and a 9mm Ruger pistol along with 18 rounds of ammunition was seized.

The City says tensions escalated during the arrest when a group of residents began throwing stones at police vehicles, damaging two City patrol vehicles.

Despite the hostility, officers managed to secure the suspect and transport him to the police station without any injuries reported.

City Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, strongly condemned the attack, warning that such incidents are becoming increasingly common.

“Despite their best efforts to run interference, officers were able to contain the situation and transport the suspect to the police station. On the downside, the damaged patrol vehicles will have to be off the road while repairs are completed, which is not only an unnecessary cost, but two fewer vehicles for visible patrols and responding to complaints.”

Smith confirmed that while no officers were injured, the behaviour of those involved was deeply concerning.

“We are thankful that no staff members were injured, but these actions must be condemned in the strongest terms. It can’t be that we cry out for safer communities and then behave in this manner towards the very people who are trying to help.”

Smith further highlighted a worrying trend, noting that attacks on Metro Police officers are on the rise.

“Attacks on our staff have become so commonplace, and just a cursory look at Metro Police incidents already points to an increase in this financial year. Between July 2024 and January 2025, the Metro Police Department recorded 43 attacks on staff. For the same period between 2025 and 2026, the number has increased to 52.”