Polokwane High Court to hear pig farm murder case
A trial date for the trio accused of killing two women and feeding them to pigs has been set nearly six months after their arrest.
POLOKWANE – The investigation into the Onverwacht farm murder case, involving three suspects including two workers and the farm owner, has been concluded.
The matter is scheduled for trial in the Polokwane High Court from August 4 to 15, following a final appearance before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
This appearance was initially intended for a bail application, nearly six months after the three suspects were arrested and have remained in custody.
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The main accused, Zacharia Olivier, along with Rudolph de Wet, the farm supervisor, and William Musora, an illegal foreign national employed as an farm worker, face multiple charges.
These charges include two counts of murder, attempted murder, and defeating the ends of justice. Musora also faces an additional charge under the Immigration Act for his illegal status.
The bodies of Lucodia Ndlovu and Mariah Makgatho were discovered in a decomposed state, partially consumed by pigs, on the Onverwacht farm in Sebayeng in August 2024.
The two women, both foreign nationals, were reportedly shot by Olivier and De Wet after trespassing on the property while searching for expired dairy products.
Read more: Pig farm double murder: Victim recalls ‘traumatic experience’
During the court proceedings, the state presented an indictment indicating that the defendants would be tried on the specified dates and that the charges against them are of a serious nature.
Although Musora had been dropped by a legal aid lawyer last year due to a lack of financial instructions, he will proceed to trial with pro bono representation provided by De Wet’s lawyer
Accused one and two are continuing with bail applications on indefinite dates, while Musora does not qualify.
