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March 18, 2022

OWN CORRESPONDENT

1 min read

Seasonal workers from Lesotho, Zimbabwe clash in Robertson, SA

Seasonal workers from Lesotho, Zimbabwe clash in Robertson, SA

SAPS spokesperson in Western Cape province, Brigadier Novela Potelwa

Story highlights

    SAPS has been sent to Robertson to monitor the situation
    Lesotho nationals accuse Zimbabweans of taking their jobs on local farms

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THE South African Police Service (SAPS) is attempting to bring calm to Robertson in the Western Cape where sporadic fighting between groups of seasonal workers from Lesotho and Zimbabwe has broken out.

SAPS Spokesperson in the province, Brigadier Novela Potelwa said additional Public Order Police (POP) officers had been sent to Robertson to continue to monitor the situation, by Thursday.

Air support has also been sent to the area to help keep an eye on things.

“Two different foreign national groups were involved in fighting each other over employment on farms,” Brig Potelwa said, adding that the fighting began around 5am on Thursday.

It is alleged that the Lesotho nationals are accusing the Zimbabweans of taking their jobs on local farms.

Witnesses say that at least 20 people were injured in the clashes and several shacks set alight and vandalised.

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According to Western Cape police Spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk, Robertson police have opened a public violence case.

No arrests have been made yet and all roads are open.

SAPS and law enforcement agencies are currently on the scene monitoring the situation. IOL

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