The attack, which was captured on video and has since gone viral, has sparked national outrage and prompted renewed calls for respect and protection of law enforcement officers. In the footage, a man is seen attacking a female officer who was part of a visible policing and crime prevention team. 

Two men were quickly apprehended at the scene by fellow officers. According to police, the suspects now face a series of serious charges, including assaulting a police official, resisting arrest, defeating the ends of justice, and malicious damage to property.

Adrian Ramzan, 21, and Antonio Ramzan, 25, made a brief court appearance on Monday. The case was postponed until 25 November, pending further investigation.

The injured officer sustained minor injuries and has since received medical attention. She is also undergoing counselling and debriefing sessions provided by the police’s employee health and wellness unit, confirmed Northern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien.

“The video of the police officers who were attacked in Kimberley should be condemned in the strongest terms by all law-abiding citizens. The subsequent arrest of the two men who attacked the female police officer should serve as a deterrent that the police will not allow an attack on its own and will not tolerate any gender-based violence against members,” said national commissioner General Fannie Masemola.

He sent a strong and direct message to individuals and communities who undermine the authority of the police.

‘Attack on the state’

“An attack on a police officer is an attack on the state and also an attack on national security. It should further be noted that the interference with police officers in the execution of their powers or functions constitutes an offence in terms of Section 67 of the South African Police Service Act, 1995. Police officials are authorised to use reasonable force to overcome such resistance or hindrance.”

Masemola also appealed for community support, reminding the public of the sacrifices made by police members daily.

“Police officers are mothers and fathers who left their own families to risk their lives to maintain law and order in a bid to ensure everyone within the borders of the Republic of South Africa is safe at all times.”

The Kimberley incident follows a march in Bloemfontein just two weeks ago, where police officers voiced their growing concerns about the dangers they face in the line of duty. The march was described by retired Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele as having both practical and symbolic meaning, highlighting the urgent need to protect police officers as they serve communities.

Masemola has made it clear that violence against police officers will not be tolerated, and those who challenge law enforcement will face the full might of the law.

Masemola launched the Safer Festive Season operations along the N1 outside Bloemfontein on Tuesday (7/10).

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OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs