Cele calls for calm in Groblersdal following concerns about growing racial tension
Piet Groenewald and Stephen Greef allegedly assaulted their employee before unleashing their dog on him.
Police Minister Bheki Cele and Justice Minister Ronald Lamola attended the bail application of two farmers accused of attempted murder at the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday 31 January 2024. Picture: @LirandzuThemba/ X.
JOHANNESBURG - Police Minister Bheki Cele has reiterated a call for calm in Groblersdal following concerns about growing racial tension in the community.
Cele and Justice Minister Ronald Lamola attended the bail application of two farmers accused of attempted murder at the Groblersdal Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Piet Groenewald and Stephen Greef allegedly assaulted their employee before unleashing their dog on him.
The two were arrested earlier this month.
Speaking outside the court, Cele said any racially motivated incidents would not be tolerated.
"When the police are ready for whatever eventuality, that's why they are here today. They will be handling that and they know their duty and that's why I reminded them that theirs is to uphold the law. But if other people refuse to uphold the law, ours is to defend and make the law take place. That's exactly what we are going to do."
During their first court appearance last week, supporters of the two suspects clashed with the police outside the court demanding that they be released.
Officers fired stun grades to disperse protestors as they forced their way past a police barricade and into the court premises.