Residents attack Metro Police officers during suspect arrest in Athlone
The City of Cape Town's Metro Police officers were subjected to stone throwing.
Image: File
The City of Cape Town has condemned the attack on metro police officers by residents in Athlone, who threw stones during the arrest of a shooting suspect.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, April 12, highlights a concerning rise in recorded attacks against law enforcement officers within the current financial year.
Just before 11am, officers were dispatched to The Vlei informal settlement following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they apprehended a suspect carrying a 9mm Ruger pistol and 18 rounds of ammunition.
During the arrest, hostile community members began stoning police vehicles, damaging two patrol cars.
According to the City, data from the Metro Police Department shows a significant uptick in violence against staff. Between July 2025 and January 2026, 52 attacks were recorded, compared to 43 incidents during the same period the previous year.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security, Alderman JP Smith, noted that while the suspect was successfully transported to the police station, the damaged vehicles must now be taken off the road for repairs.
“It can’t be that we cry out for safer communities and then behave in this manner towards the very people who are trying to help,” Smith said. “Attacks on our staff have become so commonplace, and just a cursory look at Metro Police incidents already points to an increase in this financial year.”