Outbursts and racial tension as Bheki Cele convenes community imbizo in Newcastle
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Racial tensions ran high in Newcastle on Monday where farm owners and workers attended a safety imbizo convened by police minister Bheki Cele after the deaths of a KwaZulu-Natal couple at a farm in Normandien.
Cele, along with the national and provincial police commissioners, visited the community of Normandien in northern KZN.
His visit coincided with the first court appearance of Siyabonga Macu, 29, who was arrested for the murder of Glen Rafferty and his wife Vida, who were shot and killed on the front porch of their farmhouse at the end of last month. Their dog was also killed in the incident.
Four more people are expected to be arrested in connection with the couple's deaths.
“We are still looking for four more suspects because we know it was more than one. We caught the one suspect three days after the incident but we kept quiet to continue our investigation,” said Cele.
During his visit to the farming community, a number of issues were raised and racial tensions were high as farm dwellers and farm owners complained about ongoing issues of stock theft and allegations of assault.
In response, the minister and police commissioner Khehla Sitole have ordered an investigation into the Normandien police station, with a report expected in 14 days. Cele also asked for a list of cases opened at the station.
The minister called for an investigation after several complaints against one farmer who allegedly chased schoolchildren with a gun. The farmer, who was present, denied the allegations.
More at: https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/so...-cele-convenes-community-imbizo-in-newcastle/