Violence erupts during gun-related arrest in Hanover Park

A routine gun-related arrest in Hanover Park exploded into violence at the weekend when a group of residents allegedly attacked law-enforcement officers, pelting them with stones and attempting to disarm them.

City Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said officers had been supporting SAPS during the arrest of a suspect found with an illegal firearm when “a grouping within the community… quickly sprang to the defence of the suspect”.

“So it fills me with great anger, that early this morning while we were providing vital support to our SAPS colleagues in arresting another suspect with an illegal firearm, there was a grouping within the community that quickly sprang to the defence of the suspect, violently attacking our members and attempting to disarm them,” he said.

Smith said officers were forced to fire “several rubber rounds” after coming under attack. “Our members were forced to discharge several rubber rounds after they came under attack, as they were pelted with stones. While the perpetrator was unable to escape from custody, 2 more persons were arrested for public violence.”

Police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed three suspects were arrested: "Philippi police registered an public violence and attack on Law Enforcement following an incident on November 29 2025 at 08:20 in Surwood Walk Hanover Park 

"The members were thrown with stones. This incident happened during an arrest of a 18 year old suspect for possession of an unlicensed firearm.   

"Two suspects aged 25 and 28 were arrested for  public violence and attack on Law Enforcement and they are due to appear in Athlone Magistrates court tomorrow. The 18 year old suspect will also appear in the same court for possession of an unlicensed firearm."

Smith urged residents to help identify those involved. “I want to reiterate that we will not be intimidated, I know it is a minority within Hanover Park that is choosing criminality over the rule of law and I make a call to the majority to give us information that will help us track down the attackers, any information in relation to illegal firearms or gangster activity. We will not stop.”

The City says the attack comes amid intensified anti-crime operations. “In the last 660 days, we have removed 520 firearms from our communities. In Hanover Park alone, we have taken 143 firearms away from those wanting to terrorize our communities,” Smith said.

He added that between July and September, officers responded to 207 shooting incidents and made 73 arrests for illegal firearm possession at Philippi SAPS — “more than ever before”.

“Metro Police, Law Enforcement and Traffic is working with SAPS daily to hold the line against gangsterism and violent crime,” he said.

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