POLOKWANE – A painful right leg and a suspected high fever experienced by the farm owner accused of murdering two women in 2024 have led to the urgent postponement of today’s proceedings in his trial before the Limpopo High Court.

Judge Jane Ngobeni approved two applications to allow the frail Zachariah Olivier, who turns 62 this year, to receive urgent medical attention.

Defence seeks postponement

Testimony from a second police officer was due to continue today (January 28) when Olivier’s lawyer informed the court that his client’s health was not stable enough for proceedings to continue as planned.

An urgent application was therefore made for a postponement, along with an order directing the investigating officer to ensure Olivier receives proper medical care.

Advocate Jakobus Venter told the court that Olivier had not informed the authorities responsible for his care of his condition and preferred not to be treated through Correctional Services. His client described experiencing “swollen, severe pain near the calf.”

“I have also noticed that he has quite a fever. I am no healthcare professional, but someone I sent a photo of my client’s condition to this morning confirmed a possible secondary infection, my Lady, and recommended urgent medical attention,” Venter explained.

The investigating officer, Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola, committed in court to comply with the approved order.

No objections raised

The State prosecutor and William Musora, the legal representative of an alleged accomplice, raised no objections.

The hearing will continue from February 25 to 27.