A brutal crime in South Africa has sparked widespread anger and protests after two black women were allegedly shot and fed to pigs by a white farmer and his employees. The incident has deepened racial tensions in the country, where divisions between black and white communities still linger decades after the end of apartheid.
The victims, Maria Makgato, 45, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34, were reportedly searching for food on a farm near Polokwane in Limpopo province when the tragic event occurred in August. According to reports, the women were shot, and their bodies were later fed to pigs in an attempt to cover up the crime.
Zachariah Johannes Olivier, a 60-year-old white farmer, along with his two employees, Adrian de Wet, 19, and William Musora, 50, has been arrested and charged with murder. They also face additional charges of attempted murder for allegedly shooting at Ndlovu’s husband, Mabutho Ncube, who managed to escape the attack.
The incident was reported to the police by Ncube, who later discovered the decomposed bodies of his wife and Makgato in the farm’s pigsty.
“I reported the matter to the police after I survived the attack, and they later found the bodies of my wife and Maria,” Ncube said.
The three accused have not yet entered formal pleas, and a court in Polokwane is currently determining whether to grant them bail. The bail hearing has been postponed to November 6, 2024, to allow for further investigations. Until then, Olivier and his employees will remain in custody.
Protests have erupted outside the courtroom, with demonstrators demanding that the suspects be denied bail. Protesters held placards and chanted slogans, expressing their outrage over the killings.
“The accused should not be allowed to walk free,” one protester said.
Inside the courtroom, the families of the victims and the accused watched as the magistrate, Ntilane Felleng, allowed media coverage, citing the high public interest in the case.
Makgato’s family has been left devastated by the loss. Her brother, Walter Mathole, told the BBC that the incident has reopened racial wounds in the region.
“This tragedy has reignited racial tensions between black and white communities, particularly in rural areas,” Mathole said.
Despite apartheid officially ending 30 years ago, divisions still run deep in certain parts of South Africa.
Makgato’s four sons, aged between five and 22, are mourning the loss of their mother. Her eldest son, Ranti Makgato, tearfully described how their lives have been shattered.
“My mum died a painful death. She was a loving mother who did everything for us. We lacked nothing because of her. I think I’ll sleep better at night if the alleged killers are denied bail,” he told the BBC.
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The case has drawn attention from across South Africa, with political parties and human rights groups condemning the killings. The opposition party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has called for the immediate closure of Olivier’s farm.
“The EFF cannot stand by while products from this farm continue to be sold as they pose a danger to consumers,” the party said in a statement.
The South African Human Rights Commission has also weighed in, urging for anti-racism dialogues to help heal the communities affected by the tragedy.
“We condemn these killings and call for serious discussions on racism in the country,” the commission said.