This follows after a video of a group of white men being in conflict with two black teenage boys went viral on social media. 

It is alleged that the men attacked the teenagers over which race can use which swimming pool at the holiday resort. 

Free State police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, says after the police obtained statements from people at the resort, the docket was presented to the senior state prosecutor who then gave a directive that the charge could be changed to attempted murder, given additional facts. 

He adds that the approach of the investigator in this regard was to investigate in order to arrest and not to arrest and investigate after. 

“The investigator is now working on directives from the senior state prosecutor, and we anticipate that the perpetrator or perpetrators will within no time be brought before a court of law to account for this incident,” concludes Makhele.

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The ruling party has since expressed their view on the alleged attack. 

The African National Congress (ANC) in Mangaung said they view the incident as particularly unfortunate and deserving of unambiguous condemnation. 

The ANC calls on law enforcement to embark on a full-scale investigation into the matter and arrest all the racists involved. 

The Patriotic Alliance in the province also condemned the racially-motivated, violent incident at the resort.

“These atrocious and inexcusable acts against black South Africans are derailing the gains we have made as a country. These incidents are dehumanising, discriminatory and humiliating,” adds the media statement.

ALSO READ: MEC to meet with management of Free State resort over racism allegations

The MEC responsible for the Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea), Makalo Mohale, previously said he will be meeting with the management of the holiday resort to gather all the facts around the matter. 

“I strongly condemn these senseless acts of racism at all costs. This unwanted behaviour should never be entertained in whatever form, but to be treated as a matter of urgency,” he adds. 

Mohale continues to explain that the incident has been identified as one element that remains a threat to the revival of the tourism sector. Therefore, he urges communities to report any incident of racism to law enforcement agencies and continue to play a role in assisting the police in ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book.

OFM News