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- Bheki Cele has condemned the alleged violence by protesters in front of a Free State court on Tuesday.
- The minister has called for those who are protesting to be arrested.
- The protests focused on a young farm manager who was allegedly killed.
Police Minister Bheki Cele has called the alleged actions of people who protested in front of Senekal Magistrates Court on Tuesday “anarchy” and has called for the arrest of those who participated.
The minister made remarks after a large group of protesters allegedly set a vehicle on fire and broke into the court holding cell where the alleged killers of a young farm worker were held.
Cele said Tuesday night that police had to use tear gas to disperse the “violent” group.
READ | Police Van Burned As Armed Farmers Storm Holds Cells From Defendant Brendin Horner Murder‘
“This kind of anarchy cannot be justified or taken lightly,” he said.
“It makes no sense when these protesters burn a police van, which is the very resource that is meant to help them. It is also puzzling why the anger of this community is directed towards the police, when the arrests have been made by the police. . and the suspects are in court. “
Protesters try to push a Nyala police vehicle out of court as tensions flare.
Cele has reminded people that while the right to peaceful protest is part of any democratic society and enshrined in the country’s Constitution, it carries responsibilities.
READ | Bheki Cele condemns ‘anarchy’ outside Senekal court
News24 previously reported that it was unclear who was responsible for firing two shots during the altercation in court.
Boere Droogtehulp founder Chris Van Beljon, who was at the scene, said the shots were fired by police.
“No, it was definitely the police. No farmer shot anything, I can assure you,” Van Beljon told News24 in Afrikaans.
News24 also reported that the spokesperson for the Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID), Ndileka Cola, said that the directorate would decide whether to investigate a case of police misconduct.
