A 45-year-old homeowner is accused of unleashing his vicious pit bull dogs onto two police officials.
Police in the Free State have arrested four suspects after a dramatic anti-gang operation in Heidedal descended into chaos when officers were allegedly attacked by pit bulls, pelted with stones by an angry crowd, and forced to deploy stun grenades and rubber bullets to secure a drug bust and escape safely.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 51, face charges ranging from dealing in drugs and malicious damage to property to assault on police officers and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) following the volatile operation in Joe Slovo, Heidedal, on Tuesday, June 16.
According to Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, members of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit were executing a search warrant at a residence at about 6.45am when the operation took a dangerous turn.
"As the tactical team attempted to gain entry into the house, the 45-year-old homeowner allegedly unleashed his vicious pit bull dogs onto two police officials. Due to their swift tactical training, the members successfully evaded the potentially fatal dog bites."
