South African farm worker says he was forced to feed women to pigs
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South African Farm worker claims he was forced to feed murdered women to pigs
A disturbing murder case in South Africa has sparked national outrage after a white farm worker claimed he was forced to feed the bodies of two black women to pigs. The case, being tried in Limpopo’s High Court, has reopened old wounds of racial tension in rural South Africa, where economic inequality and land ownership remain deeply contested issues.
Victims killed while searching for discarded food
The incident occurred on a farm near Polokwane in Limpopo province last year. According to court proceedings, Maria Makgato, 45, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34, were allegedly shot and killed while they searched for expired dairy products reportedly left for pig feed. The two women had entered the farm to collect food when they encountered three farm workers, leading to a deadly confrontation.
Farm supervisor turns state witness
Adrian de Wet, a 20-year-old farm supervisor, has turned state witness in the trial and claims he was coerced into helping dispose of the bodies. De Wet alleges that the farm owner, Zachariah Johannes Olivier, shot the women and then forced him to throw their remains into a pig enclosure. He maintains that he acted under duress and that the act was intended to destroy evidence of the murders.
Charges may be dropped against witness
De Wet’s legal team, along with the prosecution, have stated that if the court accepts his version of events, all charges against him will be dropped. He is one of three accused in the murder case. His decision to testify against the others has intensified interest in the trial, which has gripped both the media and the public.
Third accused includes foreign national
The third suspect, William Musora, 50, is another farm worker and a Zimbabwean national. Musora, along with Olivier, 60, faces charges of murder, attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and obstruction of justice. He has also been charged under South Africa’s Immigration Act due to his alleged status as an undocumented immigrant.
Attempted murder and cover-up allegations
Besides the murder charges, the suspects are also accused of attempting to kill Ms. Ndlovu’s husband, who had accompanied the women to the farm. Prosecutors claim he was shot at during the attack but managed to escape. Following the killings, the men allegedly dumped the bodies in a pigsty to conceal the crime.
Courtroom packed with supporters and family
The Limpopo High Court was filled with family members, community supporters, and political activists when the trial opened. Emotions ran high as the victims’ relatives confronted the accused. The presence of Olivier’s wife, who wept silently in the gallery, underscored the gravity of the case and the divided sentiments surrounding it.
EFF members attend trial, demand justice
Supporters from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party were also present in court, echoing their past demands for the farm to be permanently shut down. The EFF, known for its strong stance on land reform and justice for marginalized communities, has criticized the government’s inaction on rural farm crimes and called for harsher punishment in racially charged cases.
Case stirs deep racial divisions
The case has brought renewed attention to the lingering inequality and resentment in South Africa’s rural areas. Though apartheid officially ended over three decades ago, land ownership and economic power still lie predominantly with the white minority. Many black farm workers continue to live in poverty, while white farmers often cite crime and violence as their main challenges, creating an ongoing divide between the two groups.
Trial adjourned until next week
The court has postponed proceedings until next week to allow more time for evidence presentation and witness testimonies. As the country watches closely, the outcome of the trial may further influence debates on race, justice, and land reform in South Africa.
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