Crossword Genius

In South Africa, had they strange robes? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

boers

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'in south africa had they' is the definition.
The definition suggests an adverb but the answer is not.

'strange robes?' is the wordplay.
'strange' is an anagram indicator.
'robes' is an anagram of 'BOERS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for boers that I've seen before include "Afrikaners who fought two wars against Britain" , "Dutch-descended South Africans" , "Robes for S African rebels" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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