He requested those angered by the murder of farm manager Horner and public violence that erupted last week to refrain from inciting violence. His plea follows after violence erupted at the Senekal Magistrate's Court in the Free State on Tuesday 6 October where a police van was overturned, torched and court property damaged which so far led to the arrest of one man, André Pienaar (51). He mentioned corruption amongst police officers in the area of Bethlehem where stock is said to be rife would be investigated following a complaint by local farmers. 

Cele has, however, requested to meet with farmers 21 days after today's meeting, to map out strategies and a way forward in dealing with their plight, which includes stock theft and farm attacks in this area.

He and his fellow security cluster minister Ayanda Dlodlo addressed concerned farmers at the Meets Agricultural Union Hall outside Bethlehem today. The address follows his meeting with the family of Horner at Graspan farm.

Farmers on Tuesday detailed their plight to Cele and Dlodlo about stock theft, murders and the ineffective responses from the government.  Chairperson of the Bethlehem Agriculture Union and Security, Herkie Viljoen, told Celel and Dlodlo that farmers in the area of the Eastern Free State around Bethlehem lose over R1 million to stock theft every month. Viljoen made a passionate plea with Cele and Dlodlo to act with urgency to curb the issues that have besieged the farming community around this area for years. He said farmers have, since 2019, been waiting for a response after they wrote and drafted a report which was sent to Pretoria meant for Cele and other ministers.

Meanwhile, two men,Sekwetje Mahlamba (32) and Sekola Matlaletsa (44), accused of Horner's murder will on 16 October appear in the Paul Roux Magistrate's Court.

OFM News