While patrolling Westbury, in Johannesburg, members of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS’) Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) came under attack and had to run for cover and SAPS National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has condemned the ambush on the AGU.
“The Anti-Gang Unit is a unit in the SAPS that is responsible for combatting gangs and gang related crime,” said SAPS national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
She said the crimes covered by the AGU include dealing and trafficking of drugs as well as gang-related shootings and murders.
AGU DEPLOYED TO WESTBURY
The AGU is deployed in various hotspot areas that are plagued by gang activity in the different provinces, including Gauteng.
Mathe said in Gauteng, the unit is deployed to areas such as Eldorado Park, Westbury, Moffatview, Southhills, Mohlakeng, Toekomsrus and Sophiatown.
According to Mathe, on the afternoon of 3 June 2025, members of the anti-gang unit were patrolling in Westbury, while other members were conducting stop and searches along Steytler street. During the operation, they found a man in possession of drugs and he was immediately arrested.
CHAOS ENSUES
After the suspect was arrested, members of the community began mobilising themselves and threw rocks and bottles at police officers on the scene. The AGU had to retreat and tactically withdraw from the operation by running for cover. The incident was captured on camera.
“The community of Westbury have from time to time been complaining about the high levels of crime including drug dealing in the area,” said Masemola .
Masemola said they deployed the anti-gang unit to deal specifically with crime pertaining to drug dealing. He expressed disappointment in the community for attacking the police when they take charge and enforce the law.
The police commissioner said he cannot allow such an incident to repeat itself. He pleaded with the community to appreciate, support and work with the police and not attack them.
MASEMOLA WARNS AGAINST PROTECTING DRUG DEALERS
“We cannot and will not tolerate this lawlessness. Our members will continue to discharge their duties without fear or favour,” said Masemola.
Mathe confirmed that no police officer or police property was damaged during the attack. She attributed this to members tactically withdrawing from the danger by discharging a warning shot.
Masemola also encouraged members of the AGU to not be deterred by the incident. He said they should continue preventing and combatting gang violence in the area without fear or favour.
DO YOU THINK GANG VIOLENCE THRIVES BECAUSE OF COMMUNITY PROTECTION?
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