Residents Stone Metro Police During Athlone Suspect ArrestCity Condemns Attacks

The incident occurred on Sunday, 12 April .

The Arrest

Just before 11 am, officers were dispatched to The Vlei informal settlement following reports of gunfire.

Upon arrival, they apprehended a suspect carrying a 9mm Ruger pistol and 18 rounds of ammunition.

During the arrest, hostile community members began stoning police vehicles, damaging two patrol cars.

The Rising Trend

According to the City, data from the Metro Police Department shows a significant uptick in violence against staff:

• July 2025 – January 2026: 52 attacks recorded

• Same period previous year: 43 incidents

The Response

Mayoral committee member for safety and security, Alderman JP Smith , noted that while the suspect was successfully transported to the police station, the damaged vehicles must now be taken off the road for repairs.

“It can’t be that we cry out for safer communities and then behave in this manner towards the very people who are trying to help.”

“Attacks on our staff have become so commonplace, and just a cursory look at Metro Police incidents already points to an increase in this financial year.”

The Bottom Line

A shooting suspect was caught. But as police made the arrest, the community turned on them.

Two patrol cars damaged. 52 attacks recorded. And a city that says: this cannot continue.