The trial of Zachariah Olivier and William Musora resumed at the Polokwane High Court on 7 October 2025. Both men are accused of murdering Maria Makgato and Lucia Ndlovu and feeding their bodies to pigs on Olivier’s farm near Polokwane. Olivier, a pig farmer, and Musora, his employee, deny responsibility for the women’s deaths, which allegedly occurred while the victims were scavenging for expired dairy products on the property.
Earlier in the week, the State withdrew charges against co‑accused Adriaan Rudolph De Wet, who has agreed to testify under South Africa’s Section 204 procedure. De Wet will face prosecution only if the court determines that his testimony is not “frank and honest.” In previous proceedings, he claimed that Olivier coerced him into disposing of the victims’ bodies in a pigsty after the shootings. The victims were reportedly shot on Olivier’s farm, while Ndlovu’s husband was also shot at but survived.
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting longstanding tensions surrounding rural justice, racial inequality, and farm‑worker rights in South Africa. Olivier’s defence team has requested a postponement to investigate newly raised evidence, which is expected to be presented in court between 6 October and 17 October. Public outrage has been widespread, with many calling for justice for the victims and their families.
The use of the Section 204 procedure in De Wet’s case has further sparked interest, as it allows the prosecution to be dropped if the testimony is deemed truthful. As the trial progresses, it is likely to continue focusing national and international attention on issues of rural justice and farm‑worker rights, and the court’s decision will be closely watched.
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