Pig farm murder duo to spend festive season in prison
Rudolph de Wet and William Musora abandoned their bail applications in the Mankweng Magistrate's Court which means they will remain in custody until their next appearance in 2025.
POLOKWANE – The pig farm murder case has taken a new turn, as accused Zachariah Olivier seeks bail later this month, while his co-accused, Rudolph de Wet and William Musora, have decided not to apply for bail, which means they will remain in custody over the festive period.
All three face murder charges following the deaths of Maria Makgato and Kudzai Ndlovu, whose bodies were discovered in a pigsty on Olivier’s farm.
The case was briefly presented in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, resulting in a postponement that splits the proceedings into separate court dates.
Olivier’s bail application is set for November 22 in the Polokwane Regional Court. Notably, the High Court in Polokwane recently ruled against Olivier’s request to access a statement he made during his arrest, as it was allegedly taken without a legal representative.
Victor Mavhidula, South African Human Rights Commission manager, discussed ongoing violence within farming communities in Limpopo, noting frequent complaints of violent incidents between farm owners, workers and nearby communities.
He highlighted that the lack of social cohesion and lingering issues of land ownership have deepened distrust over the years, creating significant tension.
In response, the commission in Limpopo is organising an imbizo at the end of November.
Representatives from government, civil society, the police, and farming communities are invited to address these issues and work towards strengthening relationships within the region.
