Residents are said to have attacked police officials who were responding to an incident of a missing 10-year-old minor who was found with an older male suspect in Jouberton, extension 1, on Wednesday. 

The police allegedly tried to intervene and rescue the person of interest from fuming residents after he was caught and assaulted. His assault followed after this 10-year-old girl, who went missing on Tuesday, was found inside his shanty following a search by residents. 

A police officer has reportedly sustained an injury whilst the person of interest has been booked into a healthcare facility for medical care following the incident. The 10-year-old girl was also taken to the Thuthuzela Care Centre for a medical examination.

Meanwhile, the provincial police Commissioner, Sello Kwena, has since condemned the alleged attack on the police. He says a police officer was injured after he was hit by a stone.

“According to information, the members of the community then stabbed and damaged the tyres of the police vehicle and ultimately torched it. At this stage, a case docket has been opened for malicious damage to property and is under investigation,” he adds.

The 10-year-old was found in the shanty close to her place of residence after the community mobilised and went on a search for her.

“After 16:00 on Wednesday, the girl was found inside a shack, close to her house, in the company of a male who was allegedly assaulted by members of the community. The police were summoned and on arrival at the scene, they rescued the man who was subsequently admitted to hospital.

"The community should work together with the police in the fight against crime through recognised structures such as the Community Police Forum (CPF). The attack on police is an attack against the State and the damage caused will have a negative impact on service delivery," Kwena further adds.

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