Police, media converge on Ventersdorp
A huge media and police contingent was expected at the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday where two farm workers would appear for killing Eugene Terre’Blanche.
Members of of the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (AWB), led by Terre’Blanche since 1973, were also expected.
“There’s nothing planned, no protest or anything,” said AWB spokesperson Pieter Steyn.
“If people do pitch up, it will be very few. I’m even doubting if I should go because I would be wasting my petrol money,” he said.
At the first court appearance of the accused last Tuesday, hundreds of farmers, Ventersdorp residents, police and journalists descended on local magistrate’s court.
Police had to wedge themselves between a group of blacks and whites and separate them with razor wire when a scuffle broke out.
Hawks spokesperson Musa Zondi said the police were “well prepared” for Wednesday.
“Police have the capacity to deal with crowds, especially around high-profile cases, and tomorrow [Wednesday] they will deploy accordingly to ensure that the court process is not disturbed.”
“We will ensure the safety of all those who will be there.”
Police from neighbouring Potchefstroom and Rustenburg would also be sent to assist.
Terre’Blanche (69) was murdered on April 3 on his farm outside Ventersdorp in North West.
It was initially thought that a dispute over unpaid wages was behind the killing, but the Hawks confirmed they were investigating the possibility of a sex-crime.
The bail hearing of the accused, aged 15 and 28, was expected to start by 10am.
The case was being held in camera because one of the alleged offenders is 15.
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Argument for media access would be heard in the same court at 9am on Wednesday, before the murder case.
The accused face charges of murder, housebreaking and robbery with aggravating circumstances, crimen injuria and attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances. - Sapa
