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- Government spokespersons have been receiving threatening phone calls related to statements condemning the violence at a protest in Senekal earlier this week, where two people appeared in court for the murder of a farm manager.
- Farmers and supporters allegedly set fire to a police vehicle and stormed the courtroom in protest.
- Callers accused politicians of double standards when it comes to condemning violence.
Government and police spokesmen have received threats, insults and a barrage of messages and phone calls since the publication of statements in which the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, and the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, condemned the violent protest action in Senekal, in the Free State.
In his statement, Cele called the protesters’ actions in front of Senekal Magistrates Court on Tuesday “anarchy,” and called for the perpetrators to be arrested.
“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 this community’s anger is directed at the police, when the arrests have been made by the police and the suspects are in court, “Cele said.
Police vehicle on fire, court robbed
Protesters reportedly set fire to a police vehicle and raided the court’s holding cells, where two men accused of murdering 21-year-old farm manager Brendin Horner were being held.
Horner’s body was found in an open field near the Free State town of Paul Roux early Friday morning. A rope around his neck was tied to a pole.
Sekwetje Isaiah Mahlamba, 32, and Sekola Piet Matlaletsa, 44, were arrested in connection with the murder and appeared before Senekal Magistrates Court on Tuesday, when their case was postponed until October 16 for a bail hearing. .
A police vehicle burns down during a farm murder protest in Senekal, where the killers of 21-year-old farm manager Brendin Horner appeared in court in Senekal.
Evidence of violence in Senekal.
Evidence of violence in Senekal.
Evidence of violence in Senekal.
Destroyed police vehicle in Senekal.
A police vehicle burns down during a farm murder protest in Senekal, where the killers of 21-year-old farm manager Brendin Horner appeared in court in Senekal.
On the day of their court appearance, an estimated 100 protesters, part of a larger group of approximately 1,500 to 2,000 people, clashed with the police outside the court. They apparently wanted access to the defendants after a moving speech by André Pienaar, a Marquard farmer, in which he allegedly incited a crowd of supporters to storm the court.
Pienaar, 52, has since been arrested.
Threatening calls
Cele spokeswoman Lirandzu Themba tweeted that she had received threatening phone calls and messages since Wednesday.
“It is concerning that I continue to receive abusive, insulting and racist phone calls from [anonymous] people and some identify themselves as Senekal farmers. These calls are taken seriously and authorities at @SAPoliceService are investigating them for further handling, “he tweeted.
Some Twitter users interrupted Themba on Twitter after the tweet was posted.
It is concerning that I continue to receive abusive, insulting and racist phone calls from anonymous people and some identify themselves as farmers #Senekal. These calls are being taken seriously and being analyzed by @SAPoliceService authorities for further handling.
– LirandzuTemba (@LirandzuThemba) October 7, 2020
“Thank you for playing. You have successfully caused (sic) the death of another farmer. You can collect your prize at the gates of (sic) hell. Keep playing for more prizes,” wrote Anna Vogel.
Someone named Vlad Teslaqovsky wrote: “You are upset about these calls … but you are not (sic) upset about the farm murders … or any other murder along those lines. Do you see a problem here?”
Justice and Correctional Services spokesman Chrispin Phiri said he has also been receiving threats from people who identify themselves as “Senekal farmers”, following a statement from Lamola, who also condemned the violence.
Phiri wrote on Twitter: “I am just stunned by the number of people who happen to farmers, who have called me all day. Or demanding that we explain the condemnation of violence that we saw in Senekal [on Tuesday] or require me to explain all kinds of versions. Violence is violence! ”
I am simply amazed at the number of people that occur to farmers, who have called me throughout the day. Or demanding that we explain the condemnation of violence that we saw yesterday in Senekal or demanding that he explain all kinds of versions to me. Violence is violence!
– Chrispin Hill ?????? (@Chrispin_JPhiri) October 7, 2020
‘Double standards’
Phiri told News24 that she was preparing for “another long day.” He said he and Themba were mostly charged with “double standards” because the alleged violence by EFF supporters at Clicks stores in September was “not condemned” by Cele.
This, however, is not true. At the time, Cele said that while she supported the right to protest, the police could not allow damage to property, News24 reported at the time.
“The police must ensure that the rule of law is upheld. They must deal decisively with those who choose to break the law. I am encouraged that officers are making arrests and urge them to continue to ensure the protection and safety of clients and members of the personnel. in the affected areas, “Cele said at the time.
Following the violent protest in Senekal, Cele also said that while the right to peaceful protest forms part of any democratic society and is enshrined in the country’s Constitution, it carries responsibilities.
All violence must be condemned
Phiri said that although she managed to have sensible conversations with a few callers, most simply spat vitriol and insults, as well as racist comments, such as calling Cele a “monkey.”
“We must always condemn violence, whether committed by a white person or a black person,” Phiri said.
“If someone has evidence of a crime, they must report it and we must trust that the criminal justice system will attend to it. The system has its difficulties and is not perfect, but it must be respected so that it recovers civility and the rule of law in society That is very important in our country: equality before the law. ”
Freedom Front (FF) Plus leader Dr. Pieter Groenewald, who was represented at the meeting on Tuesday, told News24 that he did not believe the threats were from Senekal farmers.
Unlikely local farmers
“These could be other insurgents who want to abuse this situation. I repeat what I have said before: violence is not the solution here. We cannot solve problems through violence. But, at the same time, we have to be aware of the emotions these farmers are experiencing, “said Groenewald.
Jess de Klerk from the local agricultural association told News24 that it was highly unlikely that local farmers would harass the spokespersons.
“I find it very sad that words like ‘cute’ are used. Such comments are never constructive.”
De Klerk and Groenewald said they believed there was a double standard when it came to how politicians reacted to acts of violence.
“We do not tolerate violence at all,” De Klerk said. “The police must let them do their job, both for the farmers and for the [Cele]. It must be consistent when it condemns violence and demands arrests. ”
He added that the police ministry should be able to trace the people who made the offensive calls.
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