Police Minister visits Normandien over farm murder

Minister of Police, Bheki Cele and high-ranking officials visited the Normandien area yesterday, Northern Natal News reports.

General Cele was initially expected to update the community on progress in the murder case of Glen and Vida Rafferty, with the event transforming into a rural safety imbizo.

After the welcoming and formalities, members of the Normandien community were given the opportunity to address questions and concerns to Gen Cele and his delegation, which included SAPS National Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Khehla Sithole and senior Government officials.

Less than an hour in, tempers began to fray. Given the platform to voice their concerns, farm dwellers and workers alleged ill-treatment by farmers, a failure by SAPS to handle certain cases and by Government departments to resolve labour tenant claims, among other issues.

Farmers then gave their account of things, at one point sparking outrage when counter-alleging regarding the shooting of a farm dweller.

They also claimed farm dwellers did not control their animals, with stock grazing among crops on commercial farms in the area.

With tension threatening to boil over, General Cele ordered Lt Gen Sithole to send a team to Normandien next week to investigate claims made by farm workers and farm owners.

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