Trial of trio accused of feeding slain women to pigs stirs outrage for justice in South Africa

The gruesome murder trial of a white farmer and two of his workers accused of dumping the bodies of two women in a pigsty has reignited calls for justice and accountability across South African communities. 

This internationally watched case has been postponed until next week, and it has already sparked strong reactions from labour and human rights activists.

This trial, which began on Monday at the Polokwane High Court, follows the discovery in August 2024 of the decomposed remains of Maria Makgato and Kudzai Ndlovu, found within a pig's enclosure on a farm in Sebayen.

The two women were reportedly killed while searching for food on a farm near Polokwane, and their bodies were then allegedly fed to pigs in an attempt to destroy evidence.

Their bodies were then alleged to have been given to pigs in an apparent attempt to dispose of the evidence.

Pig farmer Zachariah Olivier, as well as farm employees Rudolf De Wet and William Musora, face charges of murder and attempted murder for shooting at Ndlovu's husband, who was with the women at the farm, as well as possession of an unlicensed firearm and obstructing justice.

Musora, a Zimbabwean national, is also facing an additional charge under the Immigration Act for allegedly being in the country illegally.

De Wet, a 20-year-old, turned State witness when the trial started on Monday, testified that Olivier was the one who shot and killed the two women.

Mametlwe Sebei, president of the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa), said the union welcomes the start of the trial, despite the unjustifiable delays that have deepened the pain for the victims’ families and farmworkers across the country.

He further stated that the horrific crime, killing impoverished Black individuals scavenging for food and leaving their bodies for pigs to consume like refuse, exemplifies the ongoing dehumanisation faced by farmworkers. 

Sebei noted that this reflects a persistent system of white terror and severe exploitation still prevalent on farms.

He emphasised that they are calling for the trial, along with a harsh sentence, to send a clear message that such brutality will not be tolerated in a democratic South Africa.

Sebei warned that the case reveals ongoing failures to protect and support farmworkers in rural areas, who remain isolated and vulnerable due to weak government oversight, poor access to unions, and a legacy of exploitation. He stressed the need to address these issues to prevent future abuses.

“Many farmers operate as feudal lords, believing oversight won’t reach them. There is a need to send a message and create conditions where this cannot be.

“The case also epitomises how racialised, exploitative labour practices persist 30 years into democracy.  Although in this case the victims might not have been workers, the reign of terror they have fallen victim to directly points to the door of this parasitic system of primitive slavery.” 

Sebei added that while efforts to organise farmworkers, raise awareness of their rights, and provide legal assistance, these initiatives often encounter resistance from farmers who obstruct access to their farms. This challenge is further compounded by government policies that permit such obstructions.

​He said it's crucial to build workers' confidence, and I believe this can be achieved through mass campaigns, rural rallies, and strong solidarity from the broader labour movement.

The trial was postponed to next week.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za