Call for calm in Senekal

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Law enforcement agencies will be out in force for the second court appearance of suspects in the Senekal farm manager murder case on Friday, Ministers in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS) said.

This after violence in the court when the duo first appeared last week.

Police Minister Bheki Cele and State Security Minister Ayanda Dlodlo on Tuesday visited the area in an effort to quell simmering tensions in the wake of farm manager Brendin Horner’s murder.

The Ministers first visited Horner’s family before meeting with Senekal farming communities.

The cluster is mandated to ensure all people in South Africa are and feel safe in their homes, places of work and businesses.

Law enforcement authorities are in the area to restore calm and order in the Free State community.

This as government reaffirms its position that safety and security of all people in South Africa remains a key priority.

At Horner’s home, the Ministers offered condolences to the family and assured them government was doing everything possible to ensure justice.

Family Spokesperson Gilly Scheepers said the family appreciated the visit and hoped it marked a turning point in tensions.

“It is unfortunate but maybe the loss of a young man’s life will bring peace and stability to the farming community in South Africa,” she said.

The Ministers commended communities and police for swift response in arresting and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The suspects in Horner’s murder case are set to appear in court on Friday, 16 October.

Government appealed to the community to remain calm and avoid breaking the law or taking the law into their own hands.

Government reiterated its resolve to deal with rural safety.

This commitment was recently demonstrated through establishment of the National and Local Joint Rural Safety Command Centres agreed to between the SA Police Service (SAPS) and the farming sector.

“Government appeals to the community to be calm and allow law enforcement agencies to do their job. By acting within the law, citizens can make communities safer and more secure.  Irrespective of how angry or unhappy any person or community is, the law cannot be taken into one’s own hands,” said the cluster.

Government condemns the violence and takes a dim view of it.

“This extends not only to farmers and farm workers but to society in general. Farmers and farm workers are the backbone of our economy and nothing can justify criminal activity associated with these attacks and killings. Senseless killing of farmers and their workers affects all South Africans and threatens food security, employment, economic growth and job creation.”

The safety and stability of farming communities is critical in providing South Africa with food and creation of jobs, said the cluster.