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The minister visited the Paul Roux and Bethlehem areas following the murder of a 21-year-old farmer earlier this month.
Police Minister Bheki Cele speaking to Free State Farmers Leaders at Mitz Agricultural Union Hall. Photo: Abigail Javier / EWN
SENEKAL – Free State farmers gave Police Minister Bheki Cele three weeks on Tuesday to find a solution to stop violence in the area, warning that he could expect more violence if he failed.
Cele visited the Paul Roux and Bethlehem areas in the wake of the murder of a 21-year-old farmer earlier this month. Brendan Horner’s body was found tied to a post with a rope around his neck.
Violence broke out in the Senekal community last week and farmers began to rampage demanding that the suspects arrested for the murder be handed over.
A group of farmers gathered inside the hall of the Mitz Agricultural Union, outside Bloemfontein.
Cele addressed the group saying that safety in agriculture was one of the government’s priorities.
“Yes, the rural security plan is there and all that, but we are working on the specific aspects of this area, the challenges with surveillance and what will be done,” said Cele.
The minister promised to have a solid plan of action in three weeks, but Herkie Viljoen, who is one of the leaders in the area, warned Cele.
“Tell the people you sent here, the knives are going to come out, the knives are going to come out. We will give them everything we know so that they can properly investigate what is happening, “he said.
The two men accused of killing Horner were expected to appear in court on Friday.
LOOK: We do our best, we ask that you do too – Senekal farmers ask Cele for help
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