The murder case and court Invasion
Senekal recently came to the limelight after the brutal murder of local farm manager Brendin Horner.
Horner’s blood-soaked body showed horrific signs of torture and multiple stabbings and a knife was found nearby on his cap and he was found strung up to a pole and declared dead.
Two suspects were arrested in connection to the murder of the 21-year old manager.
Senekal’s reactions
After they appeared in the Senekal Magistrate Court, angry farmers with ‘Boer Lives Matter’ banners stormed into the court and fired shots as they tried to force their way into cells holding the two murder suspects.
During the invasion, court properties were destroyed, gunshots were heard.
The angry farmers transferred aggression to the police officers.
A police vehicle was overturned and set on fire on that day.
However, a 52-year-old farmer was arrested for his alleged involvement in arson and vandalism of state property.
Series of attacks on white farmers has led to tense scenes on the streets of Senekal.
Agricultural strategist Dr Jaco De Villiers said the latest farm murders is a part of a “war against food production”.
Pressure group Agri SA indicated that the recent murders make dozens of workers and dependants to lose their source of livelihood.
Bheki Cele comments
Police minister Bheki Cele condemned the murder but he however indicated that he was displeased with the actions of the angry farmers outside the court.
’’While we all condemn the gruesome killing 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 type of lawlessness can’t be justified nor taken lightly.”
Thandi Modise to parliaments
National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise called the attention of the parliamentarians towards the issue.
She urged them to help defuse racial tension in communities.
“Honourable, members we can’t allow for racial tensions to escalate. We really, really owe it to this country to be the people who temper high feelings, [who] give direction, who smooth things out and to give explanations,” she said.
“I don’t think what is beginning to happen in this country is good, I don’t think any of us want to see any escalation of racial tensions.”
“So, we begin to really pray and fight for South Africa – and for South Africa to survive on all of these things.”
“Heal our land”
On Wednesday afternoon a large group of congregants and community members gathered at the Senekal showgrounds.
The gathering was to hold prayers to God to heal the land.
Pastor John Mathuhle said they hoped there would be no confrontations or racial conflict in the town during the gathering.
“The community of Senekal looks after itself. During the drought we worked together to solve the problem.
“We were supposed to stand together against the murder of Horner, but instead of that, this whole thing turned into a racial issue.”
“We are not part of the people calling for war against black and white, but believe that we are beautiful in our diversity,” he said.
EFF’s Julius Malema’s view
EFF leader, Julius Malema said he would be present in court when the suspects appear on Friday.
He said he is not bothered about the color of the alleged muderers but he is interested in making sure they go to jail.
