Trouble began on Sunday when traffic officers attempted to tow away a car belonging to a member of The Revelation Church of God in Johannesburg.
A video posted on social media sites shows angry church-goers approach an officer who retaliated by firing warning shots.
He is then thrown to the ground after appearing to have been hit.
The church has defended its congregants, insisting they were attacked.
In a Facebook post‚ the church released a different video with the caption "This is the freedom we fought for... for our own people to attack us", where the officers can be seen arguing with several church members.
Many people took to the social media post also signalling their support for the church member's actions.
One Facebook user said: "If they knew what The Revelation church of God is doing for this country, they should be ashamed of themselves."
While another commented: "It's a huge shame for what we VOTE for.
"The church change [sic] people's lives, it has an impact on the Hillbrow community, crime has decreased, but they come and do this to us - naah its too much."
However, many people on social media have also blamed the church for the incident, which happened during a service on Sunday.
Local councillor Michael Sun released a statement on Twitter and called the attack "cowardly" and urged "the church members where this took place to identify those involved... so these perpetrators can be arrested and charged".
I am happy to announce the arrest of a suspect by the South African Police Services (SAPS), following the assault of JMPD officer, Siphiwe Sebati, yesterday. pic.twitter.com/uNjWPH6Nzg
— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) November 13, 2017
Herman Mashaba, Executive Mayor of Johannesburg announced on Monday that a suspect had been arrested following the assault of the officer.
