Limpopo pig farm owner ‘not surprised’ by co-accused turning state witness
The Limpopo farm owner accused of killing two women and throwing their bodies into a pigsty says he is not surprised one of his co-accused turned state witness.
On Monday, Zachariah Olivier’s employee, accused number two Rudolph De Wet, was confirmed as a state witness at the Polokwane High Court.
Olivier (60), De Wet (19), and accused number three, William Musora (40) appeared at the court where their trial was postponed, possibly to Monday.
“We knew there was a possibility one of the witnesses was turning because, like, again, you're facing a very serious sentence,” Olivier’s lawyer, Andries Rheeder, told the media after his court appearance.
“So, in these circumstances, when you can get it, let's say, call it a get-out-of-jail-free card, why not take it?
“So we had certain suspicions, which have now been confirmed, but again, it is on short notice, again, which we received, which also influenced how we will prepare our case and deal with it."
Rheeder again complained about inadequate space in the correctional facility to consult with his client.
“They have limited facilities, or I don't know if there are no facilities that they can make available to us, but it's impossible to discuss a matter through a window with your client in the presence of officers of correctional services and other prisoners or awaiting trial prisoners.”
The trio is facing charges of murder, attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice.
Maria Makgato (45) and Lucia Ndlovu (35) were shot and killed while collecting expired food at Onvervaght farm in Sebayeng outside Polokwane in August last year.
Ndlovu's husband, Mabutho Ncube, who was with them at the time, was also shot but survived the incident.
Makgato and Ndlovu's bodies were allegedly found by Musora when he reported for work the next morning.
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