Suspects accused of killing white farmer in South Africa appear in court

Two black men accused of killing 21-year-old Brendin Horner, a white farmer, appeared in court today for bail hearing.

Economic Freedom Fighters supporters protest outside magistrate court, Oct16. Photo: Themba Hadebe/AP

The accused killers allegedly murdered Horner on the 1st of October and tied his body to a pole near his farm in Free State province.

Police found the 21-year-old’s lifeless body with injuries to the head and face, and a rope tied to his neck. Police also searched the victim’s car and found bloodstains all-over.

Image of 21-year-old Brendin Horner. Via: Facebook/ Brendin Horner

A large crowd of white farmers gathered outside the court demanding the accused killers be released and handed over to them for speedy justice. Counter demonstrators, mainly from South Africa’s main opposition party-- Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), also gathered outside the magistrate in favor of the two black men.

White farmers face off with counter protesters from EFF, over killing of Brendin Horner. Image: Alon Skuy/Sunday Times

The accused have been identified by local media as Skwetje Mahlamba, 32, and Sekola Matlaletsa, 44. Family members of both men have denied their involvement in the killing, saying both men were home at the time of Horner’s death and are just being used as “scapegoats.”

Maleqhoa Sithole, girlfriend of Sekwetje Mahlamba, one of the suspects accused for killing Brendin Horner. Picture: Abigail Javier/EWN

“He slept drunk. We had an argument that evening while watching local soapies ( a local TV show). After that, he went quiet on the couch and he passed out,” Maitumeleng Mofokeng, mother-in-law to Matlaletsa, said.

Tensions between Black South African’s and white farmers have always been high. White South African’s makeup to 9 percent of the country’s population but own roughly 70 percent of privately-owned farmland.

South Africa’s government previously announced its intent to seize some of that land without compensation and relocate it to Black South Africans. The announcement worsened white and Black relations, adding gasoline to an already fiery debate.

A majority of white farmers have accused the government of being complacent towards crimes targeted at white people.

“I’m here because of white people … taking advantage of us,” EFF supporter Khaya Langile said.

“We are not scared of them. We are going to get them on Friday. We are going to face white men face to face,” EFF’s leader Julius Malema said

.

The next bail hearing is scheduled to take place next Tuesday.

By: Niza Nondo