Standoff between protestors, police outside Piet Retief court
Monday morning saw a tense standoff between police and protestors outside the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court in Mkhondo.
Tensions rose ahead of the court appearance of five people who have been connected to the murder of two farm workers.
The fifth suspect was added into the group on Monday.
Brothers Zenzele and Mgcini Coka were brutally killed last week.
They were allegedly shot by local farm owners.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Donald Mdluli says protestors attempted to remove the barbed wire which kept them from entering the court building.
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“Those people reportedly tried to remove that barbed wire. That is when police reacted and tried to stop them. The people went on a rampage where they destroyed some other buildings and smashed windows.
“They also went to damage and destroy some vehicles including police vehicles. Police are still monitoring the situation which is very tense.”
The protest had no impact on the bail application of the five accused.
#PietRetief A stand off underway outside Piet Ritief Magistrate's Court in Mkhondo. Four farmers accused in the murder case of Coka siblings (Zenzele & Mgcini) set to apply for bail today. pic.twitter.com/6OqCkZ9Ngg
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