Riot police were called to Strandfontein Pavilion on Sunday after angry beach-goers tried to moer a suspected child molester who allegedly touched an eight-year-old girl in the tidal pool.
According to a source, all hell broke loose on the popular beach when the girl and her mother sought help from the National Sea Rescue Institute.
The suspect was taken inside the NSRI building when the mob started baying for his blood. And when police arrived, mense pelted cops with stones and caused damage to the building as they accused officials of protecting the man.
NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, says the mother and child approached them alleging inappropriate behaviour by the man and the two were kept safe inside the lounge area of the building.
REFUGE: Craig Lambinon
“This was pending the arrival of Law Enforcement and police who had been called and were en route,” he explains.
“Public members had requested that the man involved in the alleged incident be identified so that he can be pointed out to police on their arrival.
“On a man being identified, members of the public appeared to turn violent and the man ran towards the NSRI building.
“At that stage Law Enforcement officers had arrived and police were well en route.
“Law Enforcement officers used a section of the NSRI building away from where the girl and her mother were to hold the man until police arrived and formally arrested the man.
“During the incident, a part of a door to the NSRI base sustained some damage.”
Law Enforcement spokesperson, Wayne Dyason, says they were called to the scene after the man was already inside the NSRI building.
Cops guarding the man as mense bay for 'child molester's blood'. Picture supplied
“Law Enforcement officers were patrolling when they were informed of a volatile situation at the NSRI building at 4.20pm.
“They responded and found the man accused of allegedly molesting an eight-year-old girl inside the building while the angry crowd demanded he be handed over.
“Officers surrounded the building as they waited for SAPS to arrive and the mob pelted them with stones.
“The SAPS Tactical Response Unit was called in because the group had become extremely volatile and wanted to assault the suspect.”
Riot police were called to Strandfontein Pavilion on Sunday after angry beach-goers tried to moer a suspected child molester. Video supplied
Videos taken at the scene show the angry crowd hurling abuse at armed police officers who are seen surrounding the building.
“As hulle die kinders rape, dan waar is julle? (The police) kom uit om een gemors te protect,” a woman is heard shouting.
A man is also heard threatening to get a tyre and “burn the f***ing bastard”.
“If you have a child you will feel it with us,” he shouts at police officers.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, says the Mitchells Plain Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) has opened a sexual assault case and the suspect will appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court today.
Riot police were called to Strandfontein Pavilion on Sunday after angry beach-goers tried to moer a suspected child molester. Video supplied