Lamola condemns Senekal violence

The chaos that unfolded outside the Senekal magistrate’s court in the Free State on Tuesday after the appearance of two suspects in the brutal murder of farm manager Brendin Horner has become a subject of scrutiny.

Farmers who had attended the court proceedings stormed the court building, damaging the property as they demanded that the two suspects, Sekwetje Isaiah Mahlamba and Sekola Piet Matlaletsa, be handed over to them. The disgruntled group also overturned a police vehicle and set it alight.

Justice minister Ronald Lamola condemned the incident, describing it as “anarchic violence”.

“Beyond the obvious trail of destruction of public property, yesterday’s actions are an inexcusable assault on the rule of law and the criminal justice system,” Lamola’s office said.  

“If such attacks against the rule of law are allowed to go unchecked, our society will run the risk of descending into anarchy. It is in the interest of everyone to ensure that respect for the rule of law is defended and upheld.”

#FeesMustFall activist Bonginkosi Khanyile, who spent time behind bars after student protests in 2016, accused the police of double standards in the their approach towards the Senekal protesters.

“I was sent to six months’ imprisonment and sentenced to additional three years’ house arrest which finishes in 2022. [This was] for using a slingshot during #FeesMustFall protest. Imagine if I did what these white people are doing. I was going to be given a life sentence,” Khanyile said on his Twitter account, sharing a video of the Senekal farmers in action.

Political analyst Ralph Mathekga said the incidents that unfolded at the courthouse displayed the inequalities of SA.

“Unfortunately, the SAPS is not covering itself because in terms of the manner in which it [carries out its duties], they usually show heavy-handedness when it comes to protesters from the vulnerable social groups,” Mathekga said.

Police minister Bheki Cele said he had learnt “with shock and disgust” about the arson and vandalism.

He called on police to arrest the perpetrators, saying no criminal behaviour would be tolerated.

“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,” he said. — TimesLIVE