City of Cape Town says its cops have again come under attack

The City of Cape Town said its law enforcement officers have once again come under attack in the metro.
 
Officers were confronted by a hostile crowd while arresting a suspected gunman in Athlone.
 
The incident happened on Sunday morning, when officers responded to reports of gunfire in the Vlei informal settlement.
 
Safety and Security MMC JP Smith said officers identified and apprehended the suspect, and confiscated a firearm found in his possession.
  
Smith said while the arrest was being carried out, community members began throwing stones at police vehicles, damaging two city vehicles in an apparent attempt to disrupt the operation.
 
He said the incident adds to growing concerns about the safety of metro police officers.
 
Between July 2024 and January 2025, the department recorded 43 attacks on its staff.
 
That number increased to 52 during the same period between 2025 and 2026.
 
Smith said it is unacceptable for communities to demand safer environments while turning on the very officers tasked with protecting them.