Police have opened cases of reckless and negligent driving and assault on a police officer following an incident in Orange Farm where a police vehicle allegedly struck a community member during a chase.
According to police, the incident occurred at a sports ground on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, at about 11:00 while officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) were conducting a crime prevention operation.
Police said a police official allegedly hit a 22-year-old community member with a state vehicle while pursuing a suspect.The situation escalated when community members gathered at the scene and allegedly assaulted the police officer who was driving the vehicle.Back-up units, including Public Order Police, were called to the area to restore calm.
“The police official was removed from the scene and taken to the police station while the 22-year-old community member was taken to hospital for medical attention,” said SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili.
Public order was later restored and about 100 community members were dispersed.Police confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
