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Limpopo Pig Farm Murder Trial Postponed Over Accused’s Medical Issue

Proceedings pause after the judge ordered medical care for Zacharia Olivier, delaying planned ballistics evidence.

Overview

  • The Polokwane High Court adjourned the case to 25–27 February after defence counsel reported Olivier’s painful leg infection and fever, a delay supported by the State and not opposed by co-accused counsel.
  • Judge Jane Ngobeni instructed SAPS ballistics analyst Fortunate Mahlalela to return on the new dates to continue her testimony.
  • Olivier and William Musora are charged over the 2024 killings of Maria Makgato and Kudzai Ndlovu, with additional counts including attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and firearm offences; Musora also faces an immigration charge.
  • Earlier testimony from state witness Rudolph De Wet included an admission that he once planned to lie while in prison, a claim that defence counsel used to challenge his credibility.
  • De Wet told the court the bodies were thrown into a pigsty to conceal evidence and said Musora was not present when the women were shot, while forensic officer W/O Alina Marotola detailed victim-linked visits to collect expired dairy products from the farm.