Limpopo Pig-Farm Double-Murder Trial Set to Resume in October
POLOKWANE, LIMPOPO – The high-profile double-murder trial arising from the deaths of Maria Makgato and Kudzai Ndlovu is expected to resume in the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane on 23 October 2026.
Farm owner Zacharia Olivier and farm employee William Musora are standing trial over the women’s deaths on a farm outside Polokwane.
The State alleges that the two women were shot after entering the farm in search of expired food products. A third person, reportedly Ndlovu’s husband, was also allegedly shot but survived.
The women’s bodies were subsequently discovered in a pig enclosure, prompting outrage across South Africa.
Former co-accused Adrian Rudolph de Wet became a State witness. During his evidence, he implicated Olivier in the shootings and described the alleged disposal of the bodies. His evidence has been challenged by the defence and must still be assessed alongside the rest of the evidence.
The accused face serious charges, including premeditated murder, attempted murder and firearm-related offences. Musora has also faced an immigration-related charge.
The case has drawn national and international attention because of the circumstances of the deaths and broader concerns involving poverty, race, food insecurity, farm relations and the vulnerability of people who search through discarded food to survive.
Political organisations and community members have repeatedly demonstrated outside court, demanding justice for the victims. However, the court must reach its decision exclusively on admissible evidence presented during the trial.
Olivier and Musora remain in custody and are presumed innocent unless convicted.
The October proceedings are expected to continue with evidence and cross-examination as the State presents its case.
