Port Elizabeth: The Cluster Commander for Mount Road, Major General Thembisile Patekile has strongly condemned the attack on our police officers in Helenvale, Port Elizabeth today, 3 February 2018. “Anyone who attacks or kills a police officer will face the full might of the law. We will not be deterred by these attacks on our members and we will continue to maintain increased presence in these crime hotspot areas. We will not tolerate any provocation of police officers when they are performing their duties and we will intensify our search for these perpetrators”, said Major General Patekile.
It is alleged that on Saturday afternoon, 3 February 2018 at about 16:00, police members from Gelvandale and the Cluster Crime Combating Task Team (CCCTT) were busy with stop and search operations in Martin Street, Helenvale when they were pelted with stones by a group of people as the police were affecting an arrest for drugs. As the suspect resisted arrest, the group intervened and started throwing stones. One police member sustained an open wound on his forehead while two police vehicles were damaged. Police have opened cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property.
Major General Patekile has implored his officers to remain resolute in the execution of their duties and to take swift and decisive action to protect themselves and members of the public within the remit of the law. He further urged the communities not to support criminal elements but to report them. Information may be reported to the nearest police station or to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 and Crime Line 3 22 11.