LIVE | 'We don't want war, but should we run away? We aren't cowards,' say supporters of farmers as they head into Senekal

Supporters of Senekal farmers: "Malema said if a war broke out, so be it. We don't want a war, but what should we do, run away? We aren't cowards. We are here to show who and what we are.

"They then introduced a black man from East London whom they said supported their cause and wanted to confront EFF leader Julius Malema. This man then said he was there to support the farmers.

"If Malema wants to kill you, he must start with me," he said in Afrikaans.

He then called President Ramaphosa and Police Minister Bheki Cele a "slapgat" (coward), which drew cheers from the crowd.

Farmers then proceeded to sing the hymn "Die Onse Vader" (The Lord's Prayer) and was addressed by a preacher who prayed that no blood would be spilt.

Floyd Shivambu, Malema’s deputy, told the crowd the EFF wants to send a message to “the boers”.

“This town is not called Senekal, its called Matjhabeng,” he said.

The crowd has now moved into town.

Julius Malema, EFF leader, has told hundreds of EFF supporters, to march into Senekal to see "our town". Many supporters are brandishing sticks, golf clubs and other items, including cricket bats and hockey sticks.

Malema’s instruction comes after singing and short speeches denouncing farmers and organisations like AfriForum as "racist" .

FRIDAY BRIEFING | How Senekal became a flashpoint for crime, race and governance  

Violence in Senekal following a farm murder has put rural crime in the spotlight.

Flashpoint Senekal: How a small town saw race, land and history converge

Brendin Horner's death – like the more than 59 daily murders that occur in this country – is unacceptable and due to a broken system. And it's the broken system which is creating space for the racial and ethnic nationalists and populists to broadcast their damaging and divisive rhetoric.

In this week's edition of Friday Briefing, we attempt to seek solutions by understanding the issues. Dan Kriek, a leading farmer in the eastern Free State (and a former president of AgriSA) writes about rural crime and how farmers perceive the environment.

Motsepe Matlala, a farmer and president of the National African Farmers' Association, tells Vanessa Banton it is time for an agricultural Codesa.

We also have analyses from Pierre Vercuiel, AgriSA's president, Pieter Groenewald, leader of the FF Plus, constitutional law expert Elmien du Plessis and analyst Mpumelelo Mkhabela, while News24's James de Villiers speaks to experts about why the police are so ineffective.

To receive the Friday Briefing, exclusive to News24 subscribers, sign up for the newsletter here.

WATCH | Farm protests: Buses of EFF supporters arrive in Senekal

Buses carrying EFF supporters started arriving in Senekal in the Free State on Friday ahead of the bail application of Sekwetje Isaiah Mahlamba, 32, and Sekola Piet Matlaletsa, 44, who are accused of murdering 21-year-old farm manager Brendin Horner near Paul Roux on 1 October.

PICS | Streets of Senekal fill up with protesters amid heavy police presence

The streets of Free State town Senekal were abuzz on Friday morning as protesters representing the EFF and AfriForum, as well as others, arrived ahead of the bail application of Sekwetje Isaiah Mahlamba, 32, and Sekola Piet Matlaletsa, 44, who are accused of murdering 21-year-old farm manager Brendin Horner near Paul Roux on 1 October.

There was a heavy police presence with roadblocks and checkpoints as protesters were searched for weapons. A police water cannon was at the ready, and a police helicopter could be seen hovering above the town.

There are already a few hundred EFF supporters in the street near the court, singing and dancing. The EFF truck is ready. Many EFF members seem to be wielding golf clubs.

- Pieter Du Toit 

FRIDAY BRIEFING | How Senekal became a flashpoint for crime, race and governance

Last week's events in Senekal, the eastern Free State, rocked many South Africans to the core.

A violent crime, large-scale demonstrations and protesters storming a magistrate's court demanding access to two alleged murderers.

It did, however, shine the spotlight on some of the fundamental problems that South Africa faces: crime, governance, race and land.

Senekal residents fear 'civil war' as Brendin Horner accused set to appear again

The court appearance on Friday of two men accused of murdering 21-year-old Brendin Horner on a farm in the eastern Free State, has instilled a sense of fear and trepidation among those who call Senekal home.

Sekwetje Mahlamba, 32, and Sekola Matlaletsa, 44, were expected to make their second appearance in the Senekal Magistrate's Court on Friday, as protesters from different political parties and organisations descend on the small town.