Police arrest KZN man for inciting attacks on foreigners via Facebook

A resident of a farm in the Underberg has been arrested on a charge of incitement to violence. His electronic devices have been seized.
A resident of a farm in the Underberg has been arrested on a charge of incitement to violence. His electronic devices have been seized.
Image: 123RF/Sinisa Botas

A 27-year-old man has been arrested by KwaZulu-Natal police for allegedly inciting attacks on foreign nationals - even identifying them by name - in Underberg.

The man, who lives on a farm in the southern Drakensberg, is alleged to have written a post on Facebook inciting the Underberg community to attack all foreign nationals and their businesses in the area.

Police spokesperson Col Thembeka Mbele said more than 20 foreign nationals operating businesses in Underberg had on Friday reported the Facebook post to police.

The post mentioned the names of the businesses that should be attacked.

Mbele said: "A case of intimidation and incitement to commit public violence was opened at the Himeville police station for investigation.

"Police immediately commenced with their investigation, which led to the arrest of the suspect at his place of work at a farm in Underberg."

His electronic devices were seized for further investigation.

The suspect is in police custody. 

He will appear in the Underberg magistrate's court soon.


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