CAPE TOWN - Reinforcements of Public Order Police (POP) continue to monitor the situation in Robertson where clashes occurred on Thursday between seasonal workers from Lesotho and those from Zimbabwe in Nkqubela Township. Air support has also been dispatched to the area. Overnight, a sporadic incident where one group took ownership of the property of another was quelled by SAPS deployment and the suspects fled to a nearby hill.

Earlier on Thursday, 17 March 2022, a number of people sustained moderate injuries after the two groups clashed.

Cases of public violence are currently being investigated by the SAPS detectives.

Social media reports indicating 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 continue between the warring parties with the local SAPS, the municipality, the farming community and the department of labour playing a leading role.

On Thursday evening, a group of people sought refuge outside the Robertson police station in fear of possible attacks.

Source: South African Police Service