Minister Marais condemns brazen attack on police officer at Delft SAPS

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has strongly condemned the violent attack on a South African Police Service (SAPS) member at Delft SAPS during the early hours of Monday, 8 June 2026.

According to reports, a police Constable was allegedly attacked with an axe by a suspect, sustaining serious injuries. Through the swift response of fellow SAPS members and the support of LEAP officers, three suspects were subsequently arrested and the alleged weapon recovered.

Minister Marais said, "I condemn this shocking and cowardly attack on a police officer in the strongest possible terms. An attack on a member of the South African Police Service is not merely an attack on an individual officer performing his duties; it is a direct attack on the authority of the State and the rule of law itself."

"Acts of this nature cannot and will not be tolerated. Those who seek to intimidate, harm, or undermine law enforcement officials are challenging the very institutions responsible for maintaining law and order. The State must respond decisively to such brazen acts, and its authority must be firmly asserted against those who believe they can attack police officers with impunity."

Minister Marais wished the injured officer a full and speedy recovery and commended the SAPS members and LEAP officers whose rapid actions led to the arrest of the suspects.

"I am encouraged by the swift response of law enforcement officers, whose professionalism and determination ensured that the suspects were apprehended shortly after the incident. Their actions demonstrate that attacks on law enforcement personnel will be met with a coordinated and resolute response", Minister Marais added.

Minister Marais further called for a thorough investigation into all aspects of the matter and urged that the criminal justice system deal firmly with those responsible.

"I urge investigators to leave no stone unturned in establishing the full circumstances surrounding this attack. The suspects must face the full might of the law, and if found guilty, should receive the harshest possible punishment. Such a blatant disregard for the authority of the police and the safety of those who serve our communities cannot be allowed to go unpunished”, Minister Marais concluded.

Media Enquiries:
Kurt Nefdt
Acting Media Liaison Officer to Minister Anroux Marais
Cell: 084 285 1975
Email: Kurt.Nefdt@westerncape.gov.za