UPDATE: Neighbourhood watch guards in custody following racial unrest
The two neighbourhood watch guards who were attacked by an enraged community in Machadodorp while trying to affect an arrest, are in jail.
The man who they tried to arrest for assault with intent, is however still roaming free while the man he allegedly assaulted has fled Machadodorp after receiving death threats.
Highveld Emporium has been completely destroyed and its owner, whose house was also pelted with rocks, also has to seek safety outside Machadodorp.
His shop was looted by community members before being set alight today.
The racial unrest boiled over due to a feud between the Highveld Emporium’s owner and a central figure in Monday’s assault in Potgieter Street, after a property deal between them went sour.
https://www.citizen.co.za/middelburg-observer/84700/strong-language-exclusive-video-shock-footage-arrest-sparked-racial-unrest/
An employee of Highveld Emporium bore the brunt of the feud when he was assaulted on his way home after work on Monday, spurring Highveld Emporium’s owner to call for backup, and the two guards responded.
When they tried to arrest the assault suspect, patrons of a nearby tavern flocked to the street and accosted the guards.
Police acted on the community’s demands by arresting the two young guards for assault.
Also read: UPDATE: ‘Whites’ warned to stay indoors by violent protesters, everything calm for now
The victim of Monday’s assault has meanwhile also opened a case against his attackers.
• Get your copy of Friday’s Middelburg Observer for the full details on the racial powder keg which exploded in the neighbouring town.
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