LIMPOPO – The trial-within-a-trial of Onverwacht pig farmer Zachariah Olivier and his co-accused resumed in the Polokwane High Court on Monday and is expected to continue until Thursday.

The matter was last heard in February.

Olivier testifies for the first time

Olivier, 61, testified for the first time and alleged that he was coerced into making a confession statement. He faces two counts of murder alongside farm supervisor Rudolf De Wet, who was 19 at the time of his arrest, and undocumented Zimbabwean national and employee William Musora, 37.

Olivier told the court that investigating officer Captain Phaladi Makola and other police officers intimidated and coerced him from the day of his arrest until he signed both a warning statement and a Section 217 confession.

“They arrived at the farm in three vehicles and said they wanted to come in and look at something in the workshop. Upon entering the yard, the police officers jumped out of the vehicles and arrested De Wet and me. Captain Makola lied because he told me that they wanted to search something in the workshop, but he wanted to arrest me,” Olivier said.

Olivier further claimed he was terrified while making the confession because he allegedly saw Makola electrocuting De Wet.

The confession dispute

The trial-within-a-trial is set to determine whether Olivier’s alleged confession was made freely and voluntarily and can be admitted as evidence in the main trial.

A Section 217 confession is only legally admissible if the state can prove it was given freely and voluntarily, while the accused was in their sound and sober senses, and without any undue influence, threats, or promises from the investigating officer or other authorities.

Background of the case

The three are accused of murdering Maria Makgato (44) and Lucia Ndlovu (34) in August 2024 after the two women were allegedly caught stealing expired dairy products at Olivier’s farm in Sebayeng. The state alleges the two women were shot and killed, and their bodies were fed to pigs.

The accused also face charges of attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. De Wet has since turned state witness.

The matter is being heard by Judge Jane Ngobeni.