Westbury residents attack Anti-Gang Unit cops after arresting man on drug charge
In a viral video, community members can be seen throwing rocks and bottles at the officers.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said no injuries or damage were reported.
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola has condemned the attack on members of the Anti-Gang Unit conducting routine operations in Westbury, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
Their operations included stop-and-search efforts in Steytler Street.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the officers came under attack when they arrested a man for possession of drugs.
'Members immediately placed the suspect under arrest, and that is when community members started mobilising themselves and throwing rocks and bottles at police officers,' she said.
'Members tactically withdrew from the operation, ensuring the safety of the very community that was attacking them.'
Mathe added that no officers were injured and no vehicles were damaged and said the officers 'tactically withdrew' after discharging a warning shot.
Masemola expressed disappointment in the conduct of Westbury residents, who have frequently raised concerns about crime in the area, including turf wars between drug dealers and traffickers.
'The community of Westbury have from time to time been complaining about the high levels of crime, including drug dealing, in the area,' Masemola said.
The National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola has condemned the behaviour of community members in Westbury(JHB) who threw police with rocks& bottles for arresting a man found in possession of drugs. Police were conducting their stop&search operations when they were attacked pic.twitter.com/VEuQCnDcVQ
— Athlenda Mathe (@AthlendaM) June 3, 2025
'We have deployed the Anti-Gang Unit to deal decisively with this type of crime, but it seems as though when police take charge and enforce the law, communities turn on them and attack them. We cannot allow such a situation.'
Masemola added that the unit had been deployed to various gang hotspots, including Westbury, Eldorado Park, Moffatview, South Hills, Toekomsrus and Sophiatown.
'We need the community to appreciate, support and work with the police and not attack them,' he said.
'We cannot and will not tolerate this lawlessness. Our members will continue to discharge their duties without fear or favour.'
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