POLOKWANE, South Africa – A white South African farmer and his two employees are set to stand trial for the murders of two black women, who were allegedly shot dead and then fed to pigs in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.
Farmer, Employees Face Trial Over Alleged Murder, Feeding Bodies to Pigs
A farmer and two employees stand accused of murder and other charges in a case that has inflamed racial tensions in South Africa.
- A farmer and two employees are facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and defeating the ends of justice.
- Two black women were allegedly killed on a farm near Polokwane last year.
- Their bodies were reportedly fed to pigs to dispose of evidence.
- The case has exacerbated existing racial tensions in the country, particularly in rural areas.
Farm owner Zachariah Johannes Olivier, 60, and his employees Adrian de Wet, 19, and William Musora, 50, are currently in custody and have yet to enter a plea. The accused face charges of murder for the deaths of Maria Makgato, 45, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34. The two women were reportedly on the farm near Polokwane in the northern Limpopo province last year, allegedly searching for food, when they were killed.
The horrific allegations include that the bodies of Makgato and Ndlovu were subsequently fed to pigs. This alleged act was apparently intended to eliminate any trace of the crime.
Charges Include Attempted Murder and Illegal Immigration
In addition to the murder charges, the three men also face counts of attempted murder. They are accused of shooting at Ms. Ndlovu’s husband, who was present with the women on the farm. Further charges include possession of an unlicensed firearm and defeating the ends of justice. Musora, identified as a Zimbabwean national, faces an additional charge related to his immigration status under South Africa’s Immigration Act, stemming from allegations of being an illegal immigrant.
The case has sent shockwaves across South Africa, intensifying already sensitive racial dynamics. These tensions remain particularly pronounced in rural communities, even decades after the dismantling of the apartheid system.
As the trial was slated to commence, the Limpopo High Court saw a significant turnout of supporters and family members of the victims. Representatives from the opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters were also present in the courtroom. The party has previously advocated for the closure of the farm.
