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EIGHT Nigerian nationals, charged with malicious damage to property, assault and public violence after they allegedly attacked city police officers, appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate's Court on Monday.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the incident took place after the police tried to execute an arrest on a drug suspect.
“The eight accused - Onogu Nwaemeka, Kelecho Oken, Ebot Kennedy, Chijioke Steven, Charles Aknaji, Umemba Sophuru, Amajoyi Tochukwu and Charles Okerie Onyedikashi - were arrested after they allegedly attacked the Kimberley police station as well as members of the South African Police Service (SAPS),” said Senokoatsane.
“It is alleged that on the day of the incident, the police had arrested one of the accused’s countrymen for possession of illegal drugs and the accused demanded that the police not carry out the arrest. Mayhem broke out as the police tried to contain the situation and the accused started to attack the police. Additional tactical police reinforcements were called and the eight accused were arrested.
“The matter was postponed to April 26, 2024, for further investigations. The accused are remanded in custody until their next court appearance.”