White South African farm owner and workers accused of killing two Black women, feeding bodies to pigs

Authorities charged a white South African farm owner and two workers after they allegedly shot two Black women and fed their bodies to pigs in what appeared to be an attempt to destroy evidence.

Details: White South African farm owner and workers accused of murder

Zachariah Johannes Olivier, 60, along with farm workers Adrian de Wet, 20, and William Musora, 50, have been charged in connection with the August 2024 murders of Maria Makgato, 45, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34. BBC reported that the women entered the Sebayeng farm to collect expired dairy products left for pigs when they were fatally shot.

Prosecutors say Olivier fired the fatal shots, while De Wet allegedly disposed of the bodies under duress by throwing them into a pig enclosure. They also accuse Musora, a Zimbabwean national, of taking part in the attack and filing additional charges against him under South Africa’s Immigration Act.

Charges

The men face two counts of murder, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and obstruction of justice. The attempted murder charge stems from the shooting of Ms. Ndlovu’s husband, who survived the attack and later identified the suspects. He told reporters that one of the victims was his wife and the other a neighbor.

Police discovered the decomposed bodies in the pigsty on August 20, 2024, following the survivor’s account and subsequent investigation.

Courtroom Packed as Trial Sparks National Outcry

Relatives of the victims and political observers, including members of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters, filled the courtroom, BBC reported. The group has previously demanded the farm’s closure. Olivier’s wife, who attended the hearing, wiped away tears, according to the outlet.

The case has intensified racial tensions in South Africa. Particularly in rural regions where land ownership and labor dynamics remain deeply unequal. Despite the end of apartheid more than three decades ago, most farmland is still owned by the white minority. Meanwhile Black workers often endure low wages and poor working conditions. This imbalance continues to fuel resentment and mistrust.

Next Steps in a Nation Watching Closely

The court postponed the trial to Thursday, August 14, allowing time for further witness preparation and legal review.

As the nation watches, the case has become a flashpoint for broader conversations about race, justice, and land reform. Advocacy groups and political leaders are calling for accountability. Not only for the accused, but for the systemic conditions that allowed such violence to occur.