Western Cape detectives are now investigating several cases of public violence following clashes between two foreign national groups in Robertson.
Fights broke out between seasonal farmworkers from Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the Nkqubela Township on Thursday, 17 March.
According to police spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa, air support had to be dispatched to the area after one group took ownership of the property of another.
“A number of people sustained moderate injuries after the two groups clashed. Cases of public violence are currently being investigated by the SAPS detectives,” Potelwa said.
This video contains violent details that may disturb sensitive viewers.
Potelwa further said that the social media reports which indicate that individuals died and children were hacked as a result of the clashes in Robertson are refuted as fake news aimed at causing unnecessary panic.
Meanwhile, mediation efforts are still in progress between the warring parties, the local SAPS, the municipality, the farming community and the Department of Labour.
The Department of Labour also expressed that it will be conducting joint inspections with the Department of Home Affairs on farms in the Robertson area to determine whether employers are adhering to labour legislation and following proper procedures when facilitating recruitment at workplaces.
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Picture: Athi Mtongana/ Twitter