POLOKWANE – Advocate Jakobus Venter, defence counsel for Zachariah Olivier, who is accused of killing two women who allegedly trespassed on his farm in Sebayeng in 2024, has requested a copy of the standard practice document to confirm that the ballistic analyst handled the evidence within the prescribed time frames.

Warrant Officer Fortune Mahlelala testified that she assessed the evidence within seven days of it being collected, and that it was kept unsealed in her office during that period.

The Polokwane Observer understands that the evidence included a bullet and fragments.

Mahlelala cautioned, however, that the evidence was stored in a safe to which only she had access, in line with standard operating procedures, which allow an officer up to 14 days to work on such evidence.

This follows Venter saying he wanted proof of the time period generally given, based on general operational practices in document form, without relying only on Mahlelala’s word.

The defence in Limpopo’s pig farm murder trial seeks proof that ballistics evidence was handled on time. pic.twitter.com/lGlcsYOz6e

— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) February 25, 2026

He also said that although he already possessed a copy of the document dated 2021, Venter wants an additional copy to compare with the one in his possession for verification and possible further questioning.

The defence in Limpopo’s pig farm murder trial accuses two officers of promising immunity for confessions. pic.twitter.com/u0aAfuabo9

— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) February 25, 2026

It also emerged during proceedings that the defence intends to present evidence alleging that two police officers – the investigating officer, Captain Phaladi Makola, and another officer based in Seshego – promised Olivier and state witness Rudolph De Wet that they would not be charged if they confessed to their involvement in the crime.

Read more in next week’s Polokwane Observer.