Staff Reporter
A 52-year-old farmer from Marquard has been arrested in connection with the violent clashes between the police and a group of farmers at the Senekal Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
The farmers had thronged the court to see the two men accused of murdering a farm manager, Brendon Horner, last week make their first appearances in court.
Horner, 21, managed DeRots Farm in Paul Roux.
However, the situation turned ugly when some of the farmers forced their way into court after it adjourned, demanding that the accused, Sekwetje Isaiah Mahlamba, 32, and Sebolai Piet Matlaletsa, 44, be handed over to them.
Some court property was damaged and a police vehicle was torched during the fracas in which shots were allegedly fired inside court by the farmers.
The police say the suspect, who has a farm in Marquard but resides in Senekal, will be charged with malicious damage to property and public violence.
“We would like to commend the team for this speedy response,” said Free State Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane in a statement.
“We believe that ongoing relations between the police and farmers and farming communities will assist in putting this matter to rest and ensure that justice prevails,” she added.
The violent scenes which broke out in Senekal have been widely criticised by the government and political parties who appealed for peace to prevail and allow for justice to take its course.
The ANC Youth League in the Free State has opened a criminal case against the farmers for the unruly behaviour.
Horner’s body was found tied to a pole last Thursday.
He had injuries to the face and neck and was pronounced dead on the scene.
The accused duo is expected back in court on October 16.