Police stoned, tyres slashed amid community protest over illegal alcohol sales clampdown

THERE was drama on Saturday in Winterveldt when a group of community members pelted the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officers with stones and slashed their vehicles tyres in a bid to prevent them from confiscating alcohol sold illegally at a shop run by a Pakistan national.

- RAPULA MOATSHE

TMPD spokesperson Colonel Isaac Mahamba said the incident happened during a routine bylaws enforcement operation in Winterveldt, targeting businesses that are not complying with regulations.

He said the officers visited the shop to enforce bylaws, but the owner and another man locked themselves inside, refusing access.

The metro police had to call in the City’s Emergency Service Department to help gain entry to the shop for inspection, according to Mahamba.

“During the inspection, it was discovered that the shop owner was selling alcohol and running an illegal gambling business without the required licenses. As a result, the alcohol was confiscated, and the shop was shut down, he said.

The situation turned ugly as community members reacted violently, hurling stones at officers in an attempt to stop them from doing their job.

“As a result of the attack, three TMPD officers were injured, and TMPD vehicles were damaged by the stones, and tyres were stabbed with sharp objects,” Mahamba said.