Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, has welcomed the arrest of eight Nigerian nationals who allegedly attacked police and damaged vehicles.
At the time of the arrest, police were tracing information of a Nigerian national who was believed to have been in the possession of drugs.
Police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said while conducting this search, "a large group of Nigerians attacked police".
"Police fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd," Colonel Ehlers said.
"One suspect was arrested for illegal possession of drugs, and three suspects were arrested for public violence and detained at the Kimberley police station.
"However, upon dispersing, the group damaged police vehicles.
Another four suspects were arrested for malicious damage to property, bringing the total of arrested suspects to eight.
'LAWLESS BEHAVIOUR'
Lieutenant General Otola condemned this behaviour and stated that those who prevent police from exercising their duties will be dealt with harshly.
"During processing, the suspects broke windows at the station."
She said and additional charges of malicious damage to property were added.
The drama did not end there though.
"Another group of Nigerians later approached the police station and threatened to retaliate," Colonel Ehlers added.
She said the Operational Commander warned the group to disperse.
"We will not allow such lawless behaviour, we are processing the suspects and working with Home Affairs to determine if they are legally or illegally in the country.
Police will continue to stamp the authority of the state in the Northern Cape Province," Lieutenant General Otola said.
