23 arrested in Valhalla Park mayhem

WESTERN Cape police have arrested 23 people following an attack on Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers in Valhalla Park on Friday.

Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason said the mayhem kicked off when officers were deployed to the area as part of an ongoing operation when they heard gunshots at about 3.26pm.

“They came across a suspect running with a firearm, who pointed it at the vehicle. That was when the driver lost control and hit a wall, injuring three people in the process,” said Dyason.

He added that while the officers were attending to the injured, a group of bystanders allegedly turned on them, the patrol vehicle was stoned and an attempt was made to set it alight.”

Reinforcements were called to the scene, but those vehicles also came under attack.

The injured individuals were transported to Tygerberg Hospital for treatment and two arrests were made on the scene. 

Following tracing operations by the City’s Special Investigative Unit (SSIU), Safety and Security Information Management (SSIMS), along with SAPS and LEAP, resulting in a number of arrests.

Officers visited 17 different addresses and took 21 persons into custody, while some items stolen from the Law Enforcement vehicle during the attack on officers were recoverd.

This included bank cards, three Samsung tablets, reflective vest, a hand radio, body-worn camera and a set of car keys.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said further charges may follow.

“The possibility that more charges will be added is not excluded. The suspect will appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate's Court once he has been charged,” Twigg said.

Following the events in Valhalla Park on Friday afternoon, a combined tracing operation was initiated by the City’s Special Investigative Unit (SSIU), Safety and Security Information Management (SSIMS), along with SAPS and LEAP, resulting in a number of arrests.

Officers visited 17 different addresses and took 21 persons into custody.

They also recovered some items that were stolen from the Law Enforcement vehicle during the attack on officers.

This included bank cards, three Samsung tablets, reflective vest, a hand radio, body-worn camera and a set of car keys.