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Court proceedings from the Limpopo pig farm murder trial, 07 August 2025.
One of the defence lawyers in the killing of two women whose bodies were fed to pigs at a farm at Onverwacht, outside Polokwane in Limpopo, has welcomed the withdrawal of charges against his client.
Former accused number two, Rudolf de Wet, had charges against him dropped after turning into a state witness.
Pig farmer Zacharia Olivier and employee William Musora allegedly shot and killed Maria Makgato and Kudzai Ndlovu on a farm in August last year.
The trial has been adjourned until October this year.
Video | Pig farm murder trial expected to be finalised at the Polokwane High Court:
De Wet’s lawyer, Muhammad Farouk Valjee, says the state has realised that his client is innocent. Valjee says he can’t determine what is to happen; however, he adds that charges against accused number two have been withdrawn.
“He’s essentially a free man, the state has realized, like we have always maintained from the very beginning, that he was innocent, and the state has realised this and in exchange for his testimony, the charges against him have been withdrawn,” says Valjee.
Meanwhile, the NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi says De Wet will testify during the trial as a state witness.
“Accused number two has turned out to be a state witness under Section 204, which means that his charges have been withdrawn for now. He is going to testify. However, if the court finds out that he is testifying frankly and honestly, then he will be acquitted or discharged,” adds Malabi-Dzhangi.
Lawyers representing the 3 accused in the pigsty killing of women at Sebayeng are finalizing consultations ahead of trial. Adriaan De Wet has turned state witness. Zacharia Olivier and 2 others allegedly disposed of remains of 2 women in a pigsty in August 2024. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/zrDI9b57tV
— Katlego Nyoni (@Katlegonyoni_) August 7, 2025
