by Lindiwe Mabena | Oct 17, 2020
A 33-year-old man has been arrested in connection with last week’s chaos at the Senekal Magistrate’s Court.
He is a second suspect in the violence that erupted at the court when the two men accused of killing 21-year-old farm manager, Brendin Horner, first appeared in court.
Police Ministry spokesperson, Lirandzu Themba, announced the news last night in a tweet.
The arrest happened on the same day Sekwetje Mahlamba (32) and Sekola Matlaletsa (44) made their second appearance in court to apply for bail.
The matter has been postponed to Tuesday, where the investigating officer is expected to be cross-examined.
State Security Minister Ayanda Dlodlo, the Police Minister Bheki Cele and EFF leader Julius Malema attended the court proceedings, which were marked by tensions between rival protesting groups.
DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille was also in Senekal in support of farmers, who are frustrated by farm murders.
by Lindiwe Mabena | Oct 15, 2020
The small town of Senekal in the Free State is a hive of activity as police gear up for any eventuality during the appearance of the two suspects in the murder of 21-year-old Brendin Horner.
Earlier this month, Horner was found tied with a rope around his neck to a pole and had injuries to his head and face.
Violence erupted during the appearance of the two suspects last week Tuesday, with Afrikaner community members in the area storming a courthouse in a bid to take the law into their hands.
Businessman Andre Pienaar was arrested for public violence following the chaotic scenes, which led to a police van and parts of the Sekenal Magistrate’s Court being set alight.
Pienaar is petitioning the High Court in Bloemfontein to release him on bail after the magistrate’s court remanded him in custody on Tuesday.
Senekal community members, concerned over the racial tensions the Horner case has sparked, held a mass prayer on Thursday.
Speaking to Joburg’s Eyewitness News, local pastor John Mathuhle said they hope tomorrow’s planned march will be peaceful.
“We know that it is everyone’s right to come and march; we just hope and pray that it won’t be something that will be confrontational. I just feel like everyone is tired of the killings that are happening in our country but we hope it will not spill into war. That’s why we are here to pray to say it will not start in Senekal. Civil war will not start in Senekal,” he said.
Police Minister Bheki Cele and his Intelligence counterpart Minister Ayanda Dlodo this week also visited the area to quell tensions.
Cele said he would be attending tomorrow’s court appearance.
Economic Freedom Fighters’ members have also begun descending on the town.
Party leader Julius Malema will be leading tomorrow’s march.
He has told Newzroom Afrika that they will be defending South Africa’s democracy.
“We are not going to Senekal to sympathise with a thug, we are going to Senekal to protect our democracy, our constitution which is under threat by racist terrorist farmers who go and attack a court of law.”
About Senekal
According to South Africa’s accommodation guide, SA Venues, travellers are fond of Senekal, a little town in the east of Free State.
The digital platform cites the area as a popular spot in which to retire.
Houses are also said to be affordable to buy.
The area is also said to be one of the most underdeveloped towns in the Free State
