In a disturbing incident that underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in certain communities, two members of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) were injured during a violent confrontation with residents in Lavender Hill on Tuesday. The officers were reportedly pursuing a stolen vehicle when they came under attack, sustaining both gunshot wounds and injuries from stoning.
The incident unfolded after police received information about a stolen Toyota Conquest. According to sources speaking to the Daily Voice, the vehicle was spotted at the BP Garage in Capricorn, prompting the AGU officers to initiate a chase.
The pursuit led them down Prince George Drive towards Lavender Hill. "The members tried to block the vehicle and shot its wheels flat, but missed," the source explained. The chase continued until Mirby Road in Lavender Hill, where the officers attempted another blockade. "The vehicle was chased to Mirby Road, Lavender Hill where it was then blocked off again and it nearly knocked over a SAPS member. Shots were fired and the vehicle came to a stop.”
However, the situation quickly escalated as members of the community gathered and began attacking the police officers with stones. Faced with the escalating violence, the officers were forced to retreat from the scene. During the chaos, the suspect managed to flee.
It was only after the officers had withdrawn that the extent of their injuries became apparent. "It was then discovered that two SAPS members sustained gunshot wounds," the source revealed. One officer had been shot in the foot, while the other sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the incident, stating that Steenberg police station had registered cases of attempted murder, attack on police, and reckless and negligent driving.
Twigg provided further details, reporting: “Following an incident on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, at about 18:25 in which a police Captain and a Sergeant attached to the Anti-Gang Unit were shot and wounded. According to reports the members were chasing a vehicle and were stopped in Mirby Road, Lavender Hill where the members came under attack by the community.”
Both injured officers were immediately transported to a medical facility for treatment. Sergeant Twigg added that the circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation, and no arrests have been made thus far.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from community leaders, who have expressed concern over the attack on law enforcement officials. Nicola Small, Chairperson of the Steenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF), stated that while their thoughts were with the injured officers, it was equally upsetting that police officers came under attack while carrying out their duties.
Small emphasised the importance of community cooperation in ensuring the safety of both residents and law enforcement. "What is equally upsetting are reports that police members came under attack from within the community they serve – pelted with stones while carrying out their duties. This behaviour is unacceptable and must stop!" she exclaimed.
She also appealed to parents to take responsibility for their children and instil in them a sense of respect for the law and those who uphold it. "Parents, please take responsibility for your children. Teach them respect – for life, for the law, and for those who risk everything to keep us safe," Small urged. "We cannot claim to want safer neighbourhoods while allowing this kind of behaviour to continue.”
TWO Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) officers were injured during a violent confrontation with the community while pursuing a stolen vehicle in Lavender Hill.
According to Daily Voice sources it is alleged that cops were informed that a Toyota Conquest was stolen after which it was pointed out to them while at the BP Garage in Capricorn on Tuesday.
The vehicle was chased down Prince George Drive towards Lavender Hill.
The source said: “The members tried to block the vehicle and shot its wheels flat, but missed. The vehicle was chased to Mirby Road, Lavender Hill where it was then blocked off again and it nearly knocked over a SAPS member.
“Shots were fired and the vehicle came to a stop.”
Mense of the community then gathered and started attacking the police by throwing stones. Cops left the scene due to the attack; however, the suspect fled from the scene.
The source added: “It was then discovered that two SAPS members sustained gunshot wounds.”
One officer was shot in the foot while the other was shot in the leg.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said that Steenberg police station have registered cases of attempted murder, attack on police and reckless and negligent driving.
Twigg reports: “Following an incident on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, at about 18:25 in which a police Captain and a Sergeant attached to the Anti-Gang Unit were shot and wounded.
“According to reports the members were chasing a vehicle and were stopped in Mirby Road, Lavender Hill where the members came under attack by the community.”
The two injured cops were taken to a medical facility for treatment, however circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
He added that arrests are yet to be made.
Steenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF) Chairperson Nicola Small said that while their thoughts are with the officers it is equally upsetting that police officers came under attack.
Small says: “What is equally upsetting are reports that police members came under attack from within the community they serve – pelted with stones while carrying out their duties. This behaviour is unacceptable and must stop!
“Parents, please take responsibility for your children. Teach them respect – for life, for the law, and for those who risk everything to keep us safe.
“We cannot claim to want safer neighbourhoods while allowing this kind of behaviour to continue.”
Anyone with any information about this incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.
The attack on the AGU officers highlights the complex challenges faced by police in communities grappling with crime and social unrest. It also raises questions about the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and the need for greater trust and cooperation to address the underlying issues that contribute to violence.
The Anti-Gang Unit has been instrumental in combating gang-related crime in various parts of the Western Cape, but their efforts are often met with resistance and hostility in areas where gangs have a strong presence. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by these officers as they work to maintain law and order.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police are appealing to the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects involved in the attack. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.
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