POLOKWANE – Last Wednesday, a joint media application to follow the proceedings of the Onverwacht farm double murder case was strongly opposed by the defence teams of Zachariah Olivier, the farm owner, and his supervisor, Rudolph de Wet, during a hearing at the Polokwane Regional Court.
The case, which had been transferred from the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court for bail application purposes, also involves William Musora, an employee and illegal immigrant from Zimbabwe.
Read more: Pig farm double murder: Trio to remain in custody after postponement
Olivier, De Wet and Musora face charges of murder, attempted murder, and defeating the ends of justice, with Musora additionally charged under the Immigration Act.
The case revolves around the deaths of Lucodia Ndlovu and Mariah Makgatho, whose decomposed bodies were discovered partially eaten by pigs on the Onverwacht farm in Sebayeng in August.
The women, foreign nationals, were apparently shot by Olivier and de Wet after trespassing while searching for expired dairy products.
Read more: Women’s bodies found decomposed on farm outside Mankweng
The defence teams argued against media coverage, with Olivier’s lawyer stating that publicising their faces promotes intimidation.
Additionally, Olivier’s lawyer raised concerns about his client’s health due to a lack of compliance with his religious medical intake at the correctional facility. De Wet’s lawyer echoed these sentiments, adding that media exposure could improperly influence public opinion and endanger his client in custody.
However, Adv Lethabo Mashiane, the deputy director of public prosecutions and lead prosecutor, successfully argued in favour of allowing media coverage to continue.
Mashiane highlighted the public’s right to be informed, especially given the high level of interest shown by activists, political party members, and prominent figures outside the court.
In a separate development, Musora’s lawyer withdrew from the case due to financial constraints. De Wet’s legal team offered to represent Musora pro bono, ensuring he would have legal representation going forward.
The matter has now been referred back to the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court for further investigation and the outcome of an appeal regarding Olivier’s bail application. The case has been postponed until November 6.
