#Coligny is the hashtag currently dominating Twitter in South Africa, not #MondayMotivation.
The farming town in the North West has for the latter weeks of April, and the early days of May been embroiled in a simmering cultural, racial and judicial showdown.
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Two farmers, who were accused of killing a 16-year-old boy caught stealing sunflowers from their farm, were granted bail in the region’s magistrates court Monday. The boy, who the farmers were reportedly transporting to the police station, allegedly jumped from the bakkie they were travelling in, and broke his neck. Eyewitnesses however suggest that the boy was pushed.
The incident took place on 20 April, but the boy, who was called Matlhomola Jonas Mosweu, was buried Sunday.
Today, the two men were granted bail, and the community — and Twitter — weren’t happy with the outcome.
Many were against the awarding of R5000 bail, and blamed the privilege of human possessions above human life.
They killed a teenager and all they get is a bail for R5000
Life is by worth any amount of rands
— Sefularo Keamogetswe (@Sefularo_Keamo) May 8, 2017
Sunflower worth more than a human life ya neh Satafrika #Coligny
— Thabang (@nthobola) May 8, 2017
Some highlighted the prevalence of stressed race relations in South Africa.
@MmanalediM #Coligny To think I am raising 3 sons in this country and automatically they are seen as thieves compared to their white peers pains me too
— Zoe Moloi (@Mol_Zoe) May 8, 2017
This world is for white people, we just happen to be around too,maybe it's just a dream #Coligny
— SbuLulane (@Sbululane) May 8, 2017
#Coligny Black lives ar not important for our Judicial system. Violence by racist white Afrikaners will result in their own demise. https://t.co/NZKKaHZGba
— Proudly Khoi-Khoi (@_IamKhoisan) May 8, 2017
After bail was granted, some in the community said they would "burn" the farm.
#Coligny The community is livid. Some say they will go to the farm and burn it.
MV pic.twitter.com/xi3xEi1LVR— Maryke Vermaak (@MarykeVermaak) May 8, 2017
WATCH #Coligny residents very angry about the judgement.
MV pic.twitter.com/xWqpdBmcNV— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) May 8, 2017
At least two houses were burnt.
#Coligny the farmer's house has been set on fire.
MV pic.twitter.com/etDfPkIBYG— Maryke Vermaak (@MarykeVermaak) May 8, 2017
#Coligny A second house is partly burnt, allegedly by the angry community.KG pic.twitter.com/QeLGx2po4c
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) May 8, 2017
Journalists on the ground were reportedly attacked by angry farmers, suggesting that the unrest in this town isn't simply one-sided.
Unreal scenes in #Coligny. That fight between the farmer and journalists was unbelievable. Ewu
— Kcl-M (@_lethabo17) May 8, 2017
This untidy racist Afrikaner farmer pulled a gun on journalists.. #Coligny
BAKITHI!!! pic.twitter.com/Ja5Tt4zaQ1
— Uncle Sammy (@MashSammy) May 8, 2017
Others on Twitter though still clung onto hope, suggesting that South Africa's racial relations "have improved".
I think race relations in SA have improved regardless of what we're seeing in #Coligny. I believe many black and white people get along
— Kcl-M (@_lethabo17) May 8, 2017
South Africa's minister of police Fikile Mbalula has suggested that "SAPS is monitoring the situation" in the town. He also condemned the "attack on the people and media".
SAPS is monitoring the situation at #Coligny. Condemn the attack on the people and Media.
— RSA Min of Police (@MbalulaFikile) May 8, 2017
Other political figures and those in positions of authority have yet to comment on the incidents.
This is a developing story. Refresh the page regularly for updates.
