10 Arrested After Violent Clash With Police At Fish Hoek Beach

Tensions flared on New Year's Day at Fish Hoek Beach after a violent altercation between beachgoers and law enforcement officers.

The incident led to the arrest of 10 people for public violence, following a chaotic scene in which a police officer was injured during an attempt to detain suspects allegedly drinking alcohol on the beach.

The confrontation unfolded when officers responded to reports of people consuming alcohol in public. As police attempted to make an arrest, a crowd quickly gathered, shouting and hurling insults at the officers. In video footage shared on social media, some beachgoers can be seen climbing onto a marked police vehicle, while others cheered them on. The situation escalated, prompting law enforcement to call for backup as the crowd became increasingly hostile.

According to Western Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, officers were met with resistance upon arriving at the scene. When police arrived at the scene, they were pelted with stones, and one officer, a sergeant, sustained an injury to his head, Twigg confirmed. He added that the Fish Hoek police station registered the attack on law enforcement and opened a public violence case following the altercation.

Twigg explained that the confrontation began after officers responded to a complaint about beachgoers drinking alcohol. As law enforcement tried to detain one individual, the crowd reacted violently, throwing stones and obstructing the arrest. A total of 10 suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, Twigg said. The police sergeant was taken to a medical facility for treatment.