Pig farm double murder accused to press charges against police
During Tuesday's proceedings at the Mankweng Magistrate's Court, Rudolph de Wet legal counsel announced his decision to pursue charges against the police.
POLOKWANE –Â An unexpected development this week emerged in the case of the Onverwacht farm murders, just as court proceedings were being referred to the Polokwane Regional Court. Rudolph de Wet (19), the second accused in the case, disclosed his intent to file a criminal case against a police officer whom he said had assaulted him.
De Wet is accused alongside the farm owner, Zachariah Johannes Olivier (60) and an employee William Musora (50) for the murders of Maria Makgato and Locadia Ndlovu.
The women were reportedly shot on Olivier’s farm and their bodies thrown into a pigsty.
The men face multiple charges, including two counts of murder, attempted murder, and defeating the ends of justice. Musora also faces an additional charge for contravening the Immigration Act as an illegal immigrant.
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During Tuesday’s proceedings at the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court, De Wet’s new legal counsel, Mohammed Farouk Valjie, announced the decision to pursue charges against the officer.
Valjie recently replaced Jodi Meyer as De Wet’s legal representative.
After a brief five-minute recess, De Wet identified the alleged officer present in the courtroom. It was agreed that the state would provide details of the officer to the defence, with further discussions to continue in the next proceedings on October 2 in the Polokwane Regional Court.
Read more: Pig farm double murder: Bail application to happen in Polokwane
In a related matter, the state is awaiting the outcome of an appeal against a ruling by magistrate Arshad Chaya, which granted Olivier’s lawyer, Jakobus Venter, access to a statement made by the accused shortly after his arrest, without legal representation.
The state considers the statement as crucial evidence, but Venter argues it is necessary for an effective bail application.
The state has called on Chaya to clarify the case laws he referenced in making his ruling.
The referral to a higher court and the continued remand of the accused have been met with approval from politicians, civil society groups, and the community.
Among those expressing support were the Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, as well as leaders from the South African Council of Churches, the ANC, the EFF, and local mayors John Mpe (Capricorn Municipality) and Mamedupi Teffo (Polokwane Municipality).
