Pics and Video: Shots fired, as police and farmers clash outside farm murder court case

Shots have been fired as thousands of protesters from Senekal and all over the country met at the Senekal Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday morning to attend the first appearance of the two suspected linked to the death of Brendin Horner.

Protestors attempted to get to the suspects in the court’s holding cells, leading to clashes with police, while the media were also reportedly targeted and assaulted by farmers unhappy with their presence.

Over the weekend two suspects, aged 32 and 43 were arrested after the body of the 22-year-old Horner was found in the Paul Roux area last Friday morning.

UPDATE: Journos assaulted in Senekal court chaos as farmers go on rampage

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A police vehicle overturned by protesting farmers. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark

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Police tried to maintain the order outside the Senekal Magistrates Court. Picture: Tracy-Lee Stark

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One of the farmers who attacked The Citizen’s reporter and photographer, damaging their equipment and assaulting one of the women. Picture: Tracy-Lee Stark

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This police vehicle came off slightly worse for the wear, after clashes between police and farmers. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark

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Farmers attempt to get into the court’s holding cells, where the suspects in the murder of Brendin Horner were being held. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark

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Farmers attempt to break into the court’s holding cells. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark

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Chaos erupts outside court on Tuesday. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark

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Farmers try to force their way into the court’s holding cells. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark

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Police try to maintain order outside the court. Picture: Tracy-Lee Stark

The Senekal Magistrate’s Court grounds could not be easily accessed due to the thousands of protesters that gathered around the court to show their support against farm murders.

ALSO READ: Tributes pour in for young Free State farm manager Brendin Horner

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Marchers gather outside the Senekal Magistrates court for the appearance of the suspects who were arrested in the Brendin Horner murder case. Pictures: Tracy Lee Stark

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Marchers gather outside the Senekal Magistrates court for the appearance of the suspects who were arrested in the Brendin Horner murder case. Pictures: Tracy Lee Stark

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Marchers gather outside the Senekal Magistrates court for the appearance of the suspects who were arrested in the Brendin Horner murder case. Pictures: Tracy Lee Stark

Proceedings had started off peacefully, but quickly turned violent shortly after the case against the suspects was postponed to 16 October.

Warning: The following video (courtesy of Netwerk24) contains strong language and violence:

Trucks, cars, motorcycles, and horses decorated with white crosses and ‘It stops now’ and ‘Ons is gatvol’ posters drove in kilometre long convoys from outside the town to make their way to the court.

Outside the court, the crowd was addressed by AfriForum representatives and other stakeholders groups, as well as representatives from political parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Freedom Front Plus (FFP) .

READ MORE: Tributes pour in for young Free State farm manager Brendin Horner

Various motorcycle clubs also attended the protest.

The proceedings outside the court was kicked off with a moment of silence for all the victims, farmers and workers of farm attacks.

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Marchers gather outside the Senekal Magistrates court for the appearance of the suspects who were arrested in the Brendin Horner murder case. Pictures: Tracy Lee Stark

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Some of the tough messages by the farmers during their protest in Senekal last week. Pictures: Tracy Lee Stark

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Marchers gather outside the Senekal Magistrates court for the appearance of the suspects who were arrested in the Brendin Horner murder case. Pictures: Tracy Lee Stark

• This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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