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SENEKAL – The man arrested in connection with the burning of a police vehicle in front of a Free State court last week will remain behind bars.
He was part of a violent protest in Senekal when two suspects appeared in court in connection with the murder of a farm manager.
Andre Pienaar (52) appeared in court Tuesday morning for assault, malicious damage to property and public violence.
LEE: Correctional Services describe Senekal protests as ‘vigilantism’
Pienaar has been placed in pretrial detention due to the seriousness of the charges and the possibility of another violent protest in the community.
The case was postponed until November 20 for further investigation.
Police Minister Bheki Cele condemned the protesters’ actions.
READ: Ministers visiting Senekal in an attempt to defuse tensions
Police reports indicate that after the brief court appearance, around a hundred protesters stormed the court building and demanded that the suspects in the murder of estate manager Brendin Horner be turned over to them.
Cele insists that such criminal behavior will never be tolerated. He has called on the police to act quickly and arrest those responsible.
READ: Police arrest farmer for alleged role in violent Senekal protests
“While we all condemn the gruesome murder of this young man in Paul Roux, absolutely no one has the right to take the law into their own hands, no matter what the situation is. This kind of anarchy cannot be justified or taken lightly. “
The minister and the Minister of State Security, Ayanda Dlodlo, hope to defuse tensions in the area with a visit on Tuesday.
