Govt condemns attacks on law enforcement officers

Government has condemned any form of physical or verbal attacks directed at law enforcement officers when they exercise their duties, warning that such criminal activities endanger officers sworn to uphold public safety.

This follows viral video footage showing a man attacking a female police officer while she was performing her duties on Monday in the Kimberley CBD.

In the footage, members of the public appear to attempt to assist the officer and a second police vehicle arrived shortly after to support the officer under attack.

Northern Cape police have since confirmed that two men were arrested on the spot after allegedly assaulting the female constable during crime prevention duties in the area.

Authorities said that the arrest must serve as a clear warning that government will not tolerate any form of obstruction against officers of the law.

Deputy government spokesperson William Baloyi said: "An attack on a police officer is an attack on the rule of law itself. It undermines the stability and safety of our society and erodes the principles of respect and accountability on which our democracy stands."