Senekal farmer saps

Photo: Supplied

Businessman to appear in court over Senekal violence

The 52-year old businessman faces charges of attempted murder, terrorism, malicious damage to property and public violence

Senekal farmer saps

Photo: Supplied

The suspect linked to the violence which erupted in Senekal in the Free State, will find out whether he is granted bail or not as the matter continues on Tuesday, 13 October 13, 2020.

The 52-year-old businessman is accused of inciting violence by addressing protesters outside court, who were outraged by the brutal killing of 21-year-old farm manager Brendin Horner. The suspect’s identity may not be revealed – for now. He is believed to own a construction company and made his first appearance in the dock on Friday, 9 October.

He faces charges of attempted murder, terrorism, malicious damage to property and public violence.

A large number of protesters in the farming community gathered outside the court, where the two suspects appeared. However, chaos soon erupted with marchers allegedly setting a police vehicle alight and storming the court’s holding cells.

Concerns of racial warfare

There were fears the unrest could once again spark racial tensions amongst South Africans, partly after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) made a number of threats on social media, which prompted the Democratic Alliance (DA) to file criminal charges against Malema and fellow party MP Nazier Paulsen.

The African National Congress (ANC) Youth League in the Free State embarked on a protest of its own, accusing farm employers in the province of having initiated the violence in the first place.

“What happened this week has shown us that white people are still at war and don’t believe that we are now living in a democratic South Africa. So we have to teach them a lesson and must send them to jail. What these people have done has undermined the elected government and it is upon our shoulders as the young people of the ANC to defend our government,” said secretary Reagan Booysen.

Meanwhile the minister of Police Bheki Cele is expected to visit the family of the slain farm worker. In reacting to the unrest, Cele condemned it and called for the perpetrators to be brought to book.

“It can’t be allowed. This time we will be ready. This time we will be there to protect the property of the state, to protect the integrity of the state and to protect human beings even when those people are suspects. They cannot be given to anybody to deal with them,” Cele said.