A white South African farm worker, implicated in the deaths of two black women, has alleged that he was coerced into disposing of their bodies by feeding them to pigs, according to his legal representatives.
Adrian de Wet is one of three men facing murder charges in connection with the deaths of Maria Makgato, 45, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34. The women were allegedly killed while searching for food on a farm near Polokwane, located in South Africa’s northern Limpopo province, last year.
It is alleged that the deceased’s bodies were subsequently fed to pigs in what appears to be an attempt to eliminate evidence.
Mr. De Wet, 20, became a state witness at the trial’s commencement on Monday. He testified that the farm owner, Zachariah Johannes Olivier, was responsible for fatally shooting the two women.
Reports indicate that Ms. Makgato and Ms. Ndlovu were seeking soon-to-expire dairy products intended for pig feed when the incident occurred.
According to both the prosecution and his legal counsel, Mr. De Wet, who served as a supervisor on the farm, will testify that he acted under duress when forced to place the bodies in the pig enclosure.
Should the court accept his testimony, all charges against him are expected to be dropped.
The case has ignited widespread outrage across South Africa, intensifying existing racial tensions within the nation.
These tensions are particularly pronounced in rural areas, despite the formal end of apartheid over three decades ago. The majority of privately-owned farmland remains in the hands of the white minority, while most farm laborers are black and receive low wages. This disparity fuels resentment among the black population, while many white farmers express concerns over high crime rates.
William Musora, 50, another farm worker, is also accused in the case. He and Mr. Olivier, 60, have yet to enter a plea and remain in custody.
In addition to murder charges, the three men face charges of attempted murder for allegedly shooting at Ms. Ndlovu’s husband, who was present with the women on the farm. They also face charges of possessing an unlicensed firearm and obstructing justice for the alleged disposal of bodies in the pig enclosure in an attempt to conceal evidence.
Mr. Musora, a Zimbabwean national, faces an additional charge under South Africa’s Immigration Act related to his status as an undocumented immigrant.
The Limpopo High Court was filled with supporters and relatives of the victims as proceedings commenced. Mr. Olivier’s wife was also present, seated in the front row of the public gallery, and was observed wiping away tears.
Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters, an opposition party that has previously called for the farm’s closure, were also present in the courtroom.
The trial has been adjourned until next week.
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