Proceedings in the Limpopo High Court: Polokwane Division were temporarily adjourned this afternoon following emotional testimony from Theo Makgatho (23), who was called to testify about the day his mother, Maria Makgatho, was reportedly shot and killed at the Onverwaght Farm outside Polokwane.

Polokwane Review reports that the trial, which began yesterday, saw the two accused, Zachariah Olivier and William Musora, both pleading not guilty to multiple charges related to the brutal killings of Makgatho and Lucodia Ndlovu, a foreign national.

The women’s bodies were allegedly disposed of by feeding them to pigs.

Ndlovu’s partner was also shot but survived the attack.

During his testimony, Theo recalled the night of Saturday, August 18, when he and his three younger brothers, aged six, 13 and 17, went to bed not knowing where their mother was.

Earlier that evening, Theo had contacted one of his mother’s friends, who usually accompanied her to the fenced Clover dumping site on the farm, where dairy products were occasionally discarded.

The friend told him she had not seen Maria despite their plan to go together.

According to the testimony, the friend decided to return to the R81 road to catch a taxi home and shortly after, she heard gunshots coming from the direction of the farm.

As Theo recounted these events, the court had to adjourn for an hour to allow him to regain composure.

In August, the second accused and former farm supervisor, Rudolph de Wet, turned state witness.

De Wet was placed under protective custody until the trial concludes.

He alleges that he was coerced into participating in the killings and has provided a detailed account to investigators.

The trial continues.

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