Nigerian nationals who attacked police and the Kimberley Police Station after they arrested one of them for alleged drug possession have been remanded in custody.
The eight appeared in the Kimberley District Court on charges of malicious injury to property, assault as well as public violence on Monday, 22 April.
NIGERIAN NATIONALS WHO ATTACKED SAPS APPEARED IN COURT
The eight accused, Onogu Nwaemeka, Kelecho Oken, Ebot Kennedy, Chijioke Steven, Charles Aknaji, Umemba Sophuru, Amajoyi Tochukwu, and Charles Okerie Onyedikashi, were arrested after they attacked the Kimberley Police Station and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
SAPS spokesperson in the Northern Cape, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, said on the day of the incident, police had arrested a Nigerian national for possession of illegal drugs, and they (his fellow countrymen) demanded that he not be apprehended by the police.
Mayhem broke out as the police tried to contain the situation, and the accused started to attack the police. Additional tactical police reinforcements were called, and the eight accused were arrested.
Ehlers said police had to fire rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in Northern Cape Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the matter has been postponed to 26 April for further investigations.
“Accused are remanded in custody until their next court appearance,” he said.
COMMISSIONER WELCOMES ARREST
Following the arrest, Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Otola condemned the behaviour of the Nigerian nationals and stated that those who prevent police from exercising their duties would be dealt with harshly.
Otola said they would 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 state’s authority in the Northern Cape Province,” Otola said at the time.
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