News of a group of protestors at Fairview Racecourse near Port Elizabeth who allegedly took revenge on their employees by ‘maiming and killing horses at the racecourse’s stables’ has gathered huge attention. The South African Police Service (SAPS), however, has warned that it is not only the protestors who will find themselves in trouble.
“A mob of about 150-200 protesters from the Fairview Informal settlement stormed onto the property of Fairview stables and freed about 28 horses early on September 17, 2020,” SAPS spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said in a statement.
“According to information on hand, at about 6am, police responded to a complaint of the angry protesters who entered the property and allegedly broke the locks of the stables. The horses were freed and were forced out of the property by assaulting them. They were reported to be running in all directions with their abusers taunting them with sticks and stones. One horse was found dead about a kilometre away in an opening near the houses. It is alleged that it was stabbed and assaulted.”
Massive Protesting happening at Fairview Racecourse, we have received reports that one horse has been killed and a few was hit with a panga, SAP on scene pic.twitter.com/HJE5wRva7G
— Mvula Gaga (@davegaga1) September 17, 2020
All the horses have been accounted for and the injured horses are receiving treatment by the Port Elizabeth Anti Animal Cruelty.
“At this stage the exact reason for the protest and subsequent death, injury and release of the horses is not known,” Naidu added. “Public Order Policing, the community, security companies, specialised police units as well as SAPS Kabega Park members assisted the stabling staff in rounding up the traumatised animals. The horses are racehorses. Public Order Policing will remain in the area to avert further attacks.”
“A case of malicious injury to property is opened and under investigation. Additional charges may be added. Police are warning social media users to refrain from posting false information relating to the incident as this can cause the current situation to escalate into confusion and retaliatory conduct by the community,” she added. “Any person who publishes, distributes, discloses, transmits, circulates or spreads false information or fake news is guilty of an offence and may be prosecuted.”
Picture: Twitter