Cape Town - Local law enforcement officers are increasingly coming under attack from irate motorists who show their displeasure by beating - or in some cases biting - them.
The latest victim, a member of the Ghost Squad, had to be admitted to hospital after an assault, allegedly by a taxi driver.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, said it was the fifth attack in four months and in several cases officers were bitten during altercations with motorists.
Police are investigating what took place on Monday after the Ghost Squad officer was taken to hospital with multiple injuries. Provincial police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk said an assault case was opened.
The city said the officer had been patrolling the R300 at about 3pm. It is believed the officer spotted a taxi driver in a white Toyota Quantum who had been talking on his cellphone while he had been driving. The officer asked the taxi driver to pull over.
“During the subsequent interview, the officer noticed that the driver was intoxicated and tried to make an arrest.”
CONFRONTATION
Back-up officers arrived to find the officer and the taxi driver in a confrontation in front of the taxi.
“The suspect was forcefully subdued and arrested on charges of drunk driving, resisting arrest, assaulting an officer, damage to property and attempting to flee from lawful custody and for using his cellphone while driving.
The officer had injuries on his arms, and legs - including bite marks. He was taken to Kuils River Hospital.
Police confirmed that a 26-year-old man was arrested and was expected to appear in Kuils River Magistrate’s Court soon.
Smith said it was “an extremely traumatic experience” for the officer and the incident served as a reminder of the dangers officers face daily.
“If enforcement officers are under siege, they can’t protect the public and then the public are under siege.”
In other incidents, two officers were knocked off their motorcycles by motorists, a third was assaulted by a taxi driver during a traffic stop and a fourth was bitten by a suspect while making an arrest.
Cape Argus