Two South African Police Service officers were rescued on Tuesday after a mob surrounded their vehicle in Ndwedwe and threatened to set it alight while they were transporting a murder suspect.
Reaction Unit South Africa officers Nathi Ndaba and Philani Mkhulisi had earlier arrested a suspect wanted for the murder of a 22 year old man. He was found hiding under a bed and handed to SAPS without incident. A crowd then gathered, demanding the suspect.
Two SAPS officers were rescued on Tuesday after a mob surrounded their vehicle in Ndwedwe and threatened to set it alight while they transported a murder suspect. The officers were trapped for about an hour as roads were barricaded and armed individuals blocked their exit.
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The officers were trapped for about an hour as roads were barricaded and armed individuals blocked their exit. RUSA deployed a helicopter and ground team who secured the scene, cleared the barricades, and escorted the SAPS vehicle to safety. No injuries were reported.
The incident marks the second time RUSA has aided police near Durban in recent weeks. It has highlighted rural frustrations with crime and drawn online comments questioning police capabilities amid upcoming protests. Footage of the rescue was captured from RUSA’s Robinson R44 helicopter.