Horse killed, more injured at PE racecourse over employment disputes

At least one horse at the Fairview Racecourse in Port Elizabeth was slaughtered on Thursday [September 17] and many more reportedly injured, allegedly by workers of the racecourse embroiled in a feud over UIF payments and internal employment disputes.

The protest began at about 6am on Thursday morning. According to Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidoo, a group of 150-200 people from a nearby informal settlement appeared on the racecourse wielding weapons. They used a panga to kill the horse, and released dozens more from their stables. Some of the horses have been badly injured. Protesters have since been dispersed.

“No arrests have been made at the moment. The racecourse has opened case of malicious damage to property and the Public Order Police Service (POPS) is on scene trying to contain the situation. There were 28 horses released. Most have been recovered,” said Naidoo.

“The scene is still active so we don’t have all the details yet. We know at least one horse has been hacked to death and people have been chasing the horses about,” Meg Wilson, spokesperson of the National Council of SPCA’s said. “The necessary action will be taken to prosecute those involved.”

All the horses have now been accounted for and the injured animals are receiving treatment from the Anti Animal Cruelty League. Fairview Race Course Port Elizabeth ?? pic.twitter.com/a93DWxL4Yv

— Me myself and GOD (@memysel97420195) September 17, 2020

This is a developing story.

Picture: screenshot from video