Police report that the suspects were purportedly retaliating following the arrest of a Nigerian national on suspicion of drug possession.

South African authorities have reported that eight Nigerian citizens were apprehended and accused of committing acts of public violence and maliciously damaging property, including attacking a police station.

The incident occurred following the arrest of a Nigerian individual on suspicion of drug possession, during which he reportedly resisted arrest and assaulted police officers. Subsequently, a group, purportedly composed of Nigerian nationals, engaged in the vandalism of police vehicles and the breaking of windows at the Kimberley Police Station.

In response, law enforcement discharged rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, as the group threatened further retaliation against the police station.

"The operational commander issued a warning for the group to disperse. After dispersing, they proceeded to damage police vehicles... another four suspects were apprehended for malicious damage to property.”

Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Otola has condemned this behavior and emphasized that individuals obstructing police duties will face legal prosecution.

"We will not tolerate such lawless behavior; we are processing the suspects and collaborating with Home Affairs to ascertain their legal status in the country. Police will persist in upholding the authority of the state in the Northern Cape Province,’’ Otola stated.