Pig farm double murder: Victim recalls ‘traumatic experience’

Mabutho Ndlovu recalls crawling out of the farm with his intestines exposed to call for help after being shot at on the Onverwacht farm in August.

Members of the ANC are among those of other political parties who join community members in support for no bail against Zachariah Olivier, Rudolph De Wet and William Musore accused of an involvement in the death of Locadia Ndlovu and Maria Makgato.

POLOKWANE – A tragedy has struck Mabutho Ndlovu (44), the sole survivor of the Onverwacht farm murder case, as he battles both physical and emotional wounds following the brutal attack that claimed his wife’s life.

Ndlovu, a Zimbabwean national, was severely injured when he and his wife, Locodia, along with Maria Makgato, were shot on the Sebayeng farm in August. Ndlovu, who managed to crawl out of the farm despite a severe gunshot wound to his abdomen, recounted the traumatic experience to BONUS. He was able to seek help from a passerby, who called an ambulance.

When he reached the road, he discovered that his intestines were exposed. The emotional trauma of losing his wife, Locodia, and his struggle to accept her death continue to weigh heavily on him.

“I truly do not know how I could have saved her,” Ndlovu said. “Her passing, my wounds, and this whole situation are still so confusing to me.”

The case against farm owner Zachariah Olivier (44), Rudolph de Wet (19) and an employee, William Musore (45) continued on Tuesday, following a bail hearing for the three last Friday.

Tension flares in court as faces of loved ones to victims and accused meet in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court for the hearing of the double murder case in Onvervaght Farm near Sebayeng where two women were killed and allegedly thrown into a pigsty, fed to pigs.

The hearing was delayed because the legal representatives for the accused were unprepared, citing a lack of access to crucial documents.

Olivier’s lawyer was granted access to a sworn statement made by his client under police questioning, but Olivier had reportedly been denied access to legal counsel during his initial arrest.

Mother to deceased Maria Makgato, Moyahabo and her son, Theo attend proceedings in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) argued that this document was vital evidence to the case.

De Wet’s request to access the entire case docket for his bail application was denied.

The courtroom was packed with prominent social advocates, politicians, and the community, reflecting the high public interest in the case. The media had been granted permission to reveal the accused’s identities for the first time last Friday, following a court application due to significant public interest.

Members of the ANC and other political parties join community members in support of no bail for Zachariah Olivier, Rudolph de Wet and William Musore.

This disclosure was initially barred to protect the integrity of an identity parade.

The matter, was transferred to the Polokwane Regional Court for October 2, where the accused are expected to apply for bail.

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Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga attended the court proceedings on behalf of local and national government.

Last Sunday, Makgato was given a dignified funeral by various contributors at her home in Kotishing, while the Zimbabwean ambassador in South Africa also facilitated plans to repatriate Ndlovu’s body to its final resting place.

The deceased’s families told the media that they did not have the economic means to bury their loved ones, prompting volunteers from different organisations to assist.