South Africa: Protest scheduled in Senekal on October 16

Event

A demonstration is scheduled to take place in Senekal (Free State province) on Friday, October 16. The demonstration has been organized by members affiliated with the AfriForum civil society organization and is being held to denounce attacks targeting farmers. The protest is set to take place at the Senekal Magistrate's Court where participants are due to gather at approximately 10:00 (local time). The demonstration follows an on-going murder trial involving multiple defendants accused of killing a local farm manager earlier in October. A previous related demonstration on October 6 saw police vehicles set alight and demonstrators attempted to storm the courthouse.

A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated in the vicinity of the courthouse. Clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Those in Senekal are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.