Authorities in the North West have called for calm after rioting flared up on Monday following the release of two farmers on bail, who are accused of killing a 16-year-old local boy.
According to The Times, racial tensions escalated in the area when the farmers, Pieter Doorewaard and Phillip Shutte, were released on bail of R5000 each on Monday. They are accused of killing a 16-year-old child who was allegedly caught stealing sunflowers on their farm.
Four houses were torched and at least one person was arrested for assault.
A journalist was also assaulted, allegedly by a farmer.
North West public safety MEC Mpho Motlhabane was quoted by The Times, pleading with the community to accept the court's decision.
"We have beefed up security in the area and we believe we will be able to calm the situation down," he said on Monday.
The decision to grant the farmers bail also provoked strong reactions on social media.
A community leader told an ANN7 reporter that the community wanted the bail decision to be revoked.
Meanwhile, EFF leader Julius Malema got stuck into the racial debate.
In a tweet, he said: