Polokwane, South Africa – A gruesome case involving the alleged murder of two black women by a white farmer and his workers has ignited public outrage across South Africa. Maria Makgato, 45, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34, were reportedly shot and killed while searching for food on a farm near Polokwane, Limpopo Province, in August. Their bodies were allegedly fed to pigs in an apparent attempt to dispose of the evidence.
Farm owner Zachariah Johannes Olivier, 60, and his employees Adrian de Wet, 19, and William Musora, 50, have been charged with murder and are currently facing a bail hearing in Polokwane. The three men have also been charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting at Ms. Ndlovu’s husband, Mabutho Ncube, who survived and was able to alert authorities. The suspects have not yet entered formal pleas in court.
Protests erupted outside the courthouse as demonstrators, holding placards that read “No bail for farmers who killed two women and fed bodies to pigs,” demanded justice for the victims. The hearing has drawn significant public attention, with magistrate Ntilane Felleng allowing media coverage of the proceedings, citing public interest.
The case has further inflamed racial tensions, particularly in rural areas where land and racial inequalities persist despite the end of apartheid three decades ago. “This incident has worsened the racial divide,” said Walter Mathole, Ms. Makgato’s brother, in an interview.
Inside the courtroom, families of both the victims and the accused gathered, while the court adjourned the bail hearing until November 6 to allow for further investigations. Until then, the suspects will remain in custody.
Mabutho Ncube, who survived the attack, described how he witnessed the brutal killings before managing to escape and seek help. Police later discovered the bodies of the two women, partially eaten by pigs in a nearby enclosure. The women had reportedly been looking for edible expired food left on the farm, which was often fed to pigs.
The tragedy has devastated the families of the victims. Ranti Makgato, the eldest son of Maria Makgato, expressed his grief, saying, “My mum died a painful death. She did everything for us, and we lacked nothing because of her. I think I’ll sleep better at night if the alleged killers are denied bail.”
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) political party has since called for the farm’s closure, citing concerns over the sale of farm products. Meanwhile, the South African Human Rights Commission has condemned the killings and urged for dialogues on racial reconciliation between affected communities.
