Women’s Bodies Dumped in Pigsty: Limpopo Double Murder Trial Resumes

The Polokwane High Court once again takes centre stage this week as the sensational Limpopo double murder trial resumes, a case that has horrified communities with its chilling details.

Farm owner Zachariah Olivier and his employee William Musora stand accused of killing Maria Makgato and Lucia Ndlovu, before allegedly dumping their bodies in a pigsty at Onvervaght farm in Sebayeng, outside Polokwane.

A Trial That Shook Limpopo

When the case first emerged in August, it sent shockwaves across Limpopo. In court, it was alleged that the women were shot before their remains were disposed of among pigs. The grisly detail sparked widespread outrage, with many South Africans expressing disbelief and anger on social media. For locals, the horror cut even deeper reviving memories of rural farm killings that have haunted the province for years.

Community activists have repeatedly called for justice, saying the brutality of the alleged crime has left families traumatised and villages living in fear.

A Turning Point in Court

The trial has taken an unexpected twist with one of Olivier’s former employees, Rudolph De Wet, switching roles from accused to Section 204 state witness. By agreeing to testify against his former employer and co-accused, De Wet was granted indemnity from prosecution, provided his testimony is truthful and complete.

Legal experts say his account could be decisive for the State’s case, but the defence is expected to question his credibility, motives, and loyalty. “The defence will almost certainly attack De Wet’s testimony but if he holds up under cross-examination, the prosecution’s case could strengthen significantly,” one observer noted.

State Ready to Proceed

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed it is ready to present further evidence this week. Mashudu Malabi, NPA regional spokesperson, reiterated that the State will rely heavily on De Wet’s cooperation:

“The State is ready to proceed with the trial… Farm owner Zachariah Olivier and his employee, William Musora, allegedly shot and killed the women and dumped their bodies in a pigsty at Onvervaght farm in Sebayeng.”

The trial, which began in August, is set to continue until 17 October.

A Community Waiting for Justice

Beyond the courtroom, the case has become a rallying point for discussions around gender-based violence, rural crime, and justice in South Africa. Women’s groups and local leaders say the murders of Makgato and Ndlovu are not isolated incidents, but part of a disturbing trend of violence against women in rural communities that often goes underreported.

As proceedings unfold in Polokwane, families of the victims and the wider Limpopo community, are anxiously waiting to see whether justice will be served in what has become one of the province’s most closely watched murder trials in recent memory.

{Source: IOL}

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