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UPDATE: Threats of more violence, arson, as racial tensions mount

Tensions have calmed somewhat in Machadodorp after Tuesday’s violent protests.

September 12, 2018

Gerhard Rheeder 1 minute read

An image of the building that was set alight during protests.

www.mobserver.co.za can confirm that disgruntled community members first picketed outside the police station on Tuesday, before proceeding to Highveld Emporium where the building was looted and set alight.

Business owners in Machadodorp however warned that the violence could reignite at any time after a number of warnings were issued by the community that more businesses would be set alight.

Also read: UPDATE: Neighbourhood watch guards in custody following racial unrest

Meanwhile the police and provincial government has appealed for calm following the unrest in which two neighbourhood watch members were arrested by police when Emporium’s Indian owner called for backup on Monday when one of his employees were assaulted in front of a tavern on his way home from work.

The two detained security officers were innocently drawn into the fracas when they responded to the business owner’s call for help.
A growing mob immediately surrounded them while they attempted to arrest a suspect implicated in the assault of the Emporium employee on Monday.

https://www.citizen.co.za/middelburg-observer/84700/strong-language-exclusive-video-shock-footage-arrest-sparked-racial-unrest/

The racial row was ignited by a feud between the Indian businessman and a former tenant whom he evicted from one of his properties after a botched property deal.

The two guards have been in custody since Monday. They will remain in custody until Friday when they will appear in court for a formal bail application.

Police remain on high alert.