Home Affairs shuts office after angry client bites staff member
An angry client allegedly bit and assaulted a staff member, prompting the Department of Home Affairs to shut down its Paarl office.
The Department of Home Affairs in Paarl suspended its operations after an enraged client allegedly assaulted and bit a staff member on Wednesday, 23 July.
Eyewitnesses said the altercation began when the man refused to hand over required documents and started verbally abusing officials.
The situation escalated as he reportedly attacked another client, a woman linked to a political party, before turning on a female staffer who stepped in to help.
During the scuffle, the suspect allegedly bit the staff member, resulting in visible injuries.
While another employee managed to restrain the man, police were called and arrived shortly after, taking him into custody.
Operations halted
After the assault, officials immediately evacuated and shut down the Paarl Home Affairs office, cutting off access to crucial services like ID applications, birth certificates, and travel documents.
Authorities have not announced when the office will reopen, and both the Department of Home Affairs and provincial officials have yet to release an official statement.
Police respond, investigation underway
Local police confirmed the arrest and have opened a case.
The motive behind the client’s outburst remains under investigation.
Sources say the suspect was visibly agitated before the incident and had become increasingly confrontational when asked to comply with standard procedures.
The closure of the Paarl office has caused concern among those with appointments, particularly those with urgent documentation needs.
Many are now left in limbo, unsure when services will resume or where to turn in the interim.