LIVE | Rocks and bottles fly in Senekal amidst tense stand-off between EFF supporters and farmers

Brendin Horner trial witnesses’ identities must be shielded, says state

Only closing arguments by the legal teams and delivery of judgment may be broadcast in the trial of two men in connection with the murder of 21-year-old farm manager Brendin Horner.

TV cameras and photographers will be allowed in the courtroom during the adjournment.

This is after the prosecution asked for the case to be heard in camera, despite lawyers for Sekwetje Isaiah Mahlamba and Sekola Piet Matlaletsa signalling they have no problem with the media having access to the court.

October 16 2020 – 10:59

Rocks and bottles fly in Senekal amidst a tense stand-off between EFF supporters and farmers

Police nyalas and armed police officers remain on high alert.

Earlier, EFF supporters shouted “shoot, shoot, shoot,” during a tense stand-off between farmers, bikers and community.

EFF supporters are now singing in the main road.

EFF supporters are carrying golf clubs, sticks and knop kieries.

A police bakkie separates the two groups

October 16 2020 – 10:48

He’s innocent, says girlfriend of Brendin Horner murder suspect

The 21-year-old girlfriend of murder accused Skwetja Mahlamba has proclaimed his innocence, alleging she had a solid alibi for where he was on the night farm manager Brendin Horner was murdered.

Speaking to TimesLIVE on Thursday, ahead of the trial resuming on Friday, Maleqhoa Sithole, said she was with him on the night that he was alleged to have murdered Horner along with co-accused Sekola Piet Matlaletsa.

October 16 2020 – 10:26

“Shoot, shoot, shoot”: EFF supporters chant at farmers and community members in Senekal

October 16 2020 – 10:17

Malema to address supporters in Senekal at noon

October 16 2020 – 10:03

“If they dare provoke us, we will show them who we are. We are not scared of those Afrikaner boys,”: Shivambu

October 16 2020 – 09:56

EFF leaders and members break in song ahead of Malema’s speech

October 16 2020 – 09:30

Malema touches down in Senekal

October 16 2020 – 09:11

Farmers and members of the Senekal community gather outside Senekal magistrate’s court

October 16 2020 – 09:06

‘Fighter are ready to face racists head on’: EFF

October 16 2020 – 08:47

ANC supporters have now also arrived in Senekal.

October 16 2020 – 08:36

There is no ANC supporters in sight

October 16 2020 – 08:13

‘Rather die to a man than let the enemy pass. Let’s go’: Malema ahead of EFF protest in Senekal

October 16 2020 – 08:12

Sea of red has descended in Senekal as two accused of killing farm manager appear in court

October 16 2020 – 08:11

Cops encircle Senekal as EFF and farmers gather before Horner trial

Road blocks and tight security encompassed Senekal, in the Free State, on Friday before the appearance of two men alleged to have killed farm manager Brendin Horner.

On the outskirts of the small farming town, police officers stopped and searched vehicles for weapons, ordering motorists out of cars as they did thorough checks.

Busses carrying EFF supporters clad in the party’s red regalia were parked a short distance from the court.

October 16 2020 – 08:08

‘Just don’t push us’: 8 explosive quotes from Julius Malema on Senekal protest

EFF leader Julius Malema’s stance on the violent protests in Senekal, Free State, has received mixed reactions in the past week from the public and politicians, some of whom have accused him of inciting public violence.

The unrest followed the murder of 21-year-old farm manager Brendin Horner, allegedly by two men who appeared in the Senekal magistrate’s court on Tuesday last week. Their matter was postponed to Friday while they remain in police custody.

A police van was set alight and court property was damaged as protesters demanded entry into the holding cells.

October 16 2020 – 08:00

‘Violence won’t bring justice for Brendin Horner’: SAHRC as EFF, AfriForum & farmers head to Senekal

The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has called for calm as members of the EFF, civil rights group AfriForum and local farmers are expected to descend upon the Senekal magistrate’s court in the Free State on Friday.

This is ahead of the second appearance of two men, Sekwetje Isaiah Mahlamba and Sekola Piet Matlaletsa alleged to have brutally murdered 21-year-old farm manager, Brendin Horner on October 1.