Alleged arsonists 'beaten up' by farmers

2011-08-22 08:34

Johannesburg - Two North West men were expected to appear in court on Monday after allegedly assaulting four suspected arsonists at the weekend, police said.

Captain Aafje Botma said the two men were believed to be farmers from Amalia outside Schweizer-Reneke.

"Apparently a fire was started in the area on Saturday. We do not know who was responsible for starting the fire, but these two men assaulted four people whom they believed were the arsonists," said Botma.

"The two men were arrested for assault."

After this incident, community members in Amalia on Sunday blocked the road and set the veld alight, apparently in protest against the assault.

Botma said the situation had been brought under control by Monday morning.

Beeld reported that the four injured were admitted to the Schweizer-Reneke state hospital. The four were reportedly punched and shot at.

- Were you there? Send us your eyewitness accounts

- SAPA