A white South African farmer, Zachariah Johannes Olivier, and his two employees, Adrian de Wet and William Musora, are set to go on trial for the alleged murder of two black women, Maria Makgato and Lucia Ndlovu. The women were shot dead on Olivier’s farm near Polokwane in South Africa’s northern Limpopo province, and their bodies were allegedly fed to pigs in an attempt to dispose of the evidence.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across South Africa, exacerbating racial tensions in the country. The case has drawn attention to the deep-seated racial issues that still persist in the country, more than 30 years after the end of apartheid. According to Maria Makgato’s brother, Walter Mathole, the incident has further strained relations between black and white people in South Africa, particularly in rural areas.
Maria Makgato, 45, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34, were allegedly looking for food on the farm when they were shot. Their bodies were then allegedly given to pigs, and it was only after police investigation that the decomposing bodies were found in the pigsty several days later. Mabutho Ncube, Ndlovu’s husband, survived the ordeal and reported the incident to the police.
Ncube crawled away from the scene and managed to call a doctor for help. The police investigation led to the arrest of Olivier, de Wet, and Musora, who are facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm. Musora, a Zimbabwean national, also faces an additional charge under South Africa’s Immigration Act for being an illegal immigrant.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with many demanding justice for the victims. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has called for the farm to be shut down, stating that products from the farm pose a danger to consumers. The South African Human Rights Commission has condemned the killings and called for anti-racism dialogues between affected communities.
Ranti Makgato, Maria Makgato’s son, expressed his desire for justice, saying, “My mum died a painful death, she was a loving mother who did everything for us. We lacked nothing because of her. I think I’ll sleep better at night if the alleged killers are denied bail.” The EFF’s call for the farm’s shutdown reflects the growing tensions and demands for action in response to the incident.
