South Africa: Thousands of protesters gather in Senekal (Free State province) October 16

Event

Thousands of protesters gathered in Senekal (Free State province) on Friday, October 16, in support of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) opposition party. The demonstration was organized in response to a protest planned by the AfriForum civil rights organization and other groups on the same day in Senekal over alleged attacks on farmers. There have been reports of stone-throwing from around 10:30 (local time).

Police deployed to the locations of the protests and have set up roadblocks to separate rival groups. Clashes between opposing groups and between security forces and protesters are possible. An associated heightened security presence should be anticipated in the vicinity of all protests.

Advice

Those in Senekal are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.