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WATCH: Cops probe farmer caught on camera brandishing gun at protesters

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Western Cape police are probing an incident in which a man was caught on camera wielding a firearm during a demonstration in Greyton on Monday. (Supplied)
Western Cape police are probing an incident in which a man was caught on camera wielding a firearm during a demonstration in Greyton on Monday. (Supplied)

Western Cape police are probing an incident involving a man who was caught on camera on Monday, wielding a firearm during a demonstration in Greyton.

Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana told News24 that Genadendal had opened an enquiry for investigation.

"Once the investigation is finalised, action can be taken," he said.

According to the ANC's information, the municipality removed toilets from the Madiba Park informal settlement on Sunday. On Monday, the ANC was informed that water supplied to the settlement was cut.

Residents resolved to protest and their action angered a farmer who got out of his vehicle and remonstrated with the protesters. He produced his firearm.

ANC secretary in the Western Cape, Faiez Jacobs, said they were "horrified and angry" that police allowed the armed farmer to walk into the demonstration while brandishing his firearm.

"We are deeply shocked that police led him away instead of arresting him," Jacobs said in a statement.

The statement said the farmer's name was known to the ANC.

"We demand that police put an end to this kind of behaviour, which is so reminiscent of apartheid South Africa. We demand an investigation into the police's inaction," Jacobs said.

Shutdown threat

He warned that tension was escalating fast in the DA stronghold and added that the local municipality could face a shutdown from 18:00 on Wednesday if they didn't take Madiba Park residents' call for land seriously.

"We believe that Greyton is on a knife edge. The municipality must take the demands made today (Tuesday) seriously. Knowing the DA and their disdain and disregard for the poor, we will not be surprised if they don't lift a finger."

Rwexana said police will continue to monitor the situation.

"Should there be protests, public order police will be deployed in the area," he said.

Meanwhile, the ANC Youth League in the Western Cape called for immediate action to be taken against the farmer and that he be declared unfit to own a gun.

They named the man in their statement.

"As far as we are concerned, the law is clear: it is a criminal offence to take out a firearm in public if it is not to be used for self-defence," the statement said.

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