A disturbing murder case unfolding in South Africa has sparked national outrage after a white farm worker accused of being involved in the deaths of two black women claimed he was coerced into feeding their bodies to pigs.
Adrian de Wet, 20, is among three individuals facing charges related to the killings of Maria Makgato, 45, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34.
The women were reportedly searching for discarded food on a farm near Polokwane, in Limpopo province, when they were shot and killed last year.
The prosecution alleges that the victims’ remains were disposed of in a pig enclosure as a way to cover up the crime.
Mr De Wet, who served as a supervisor on the farm, has turned state witness. During the trial, which began on Monday, he testified that the farm’s owner, Zachariah Johannes Olivier, was responsible for the fatal shootings.
“Mr De Wet… will testify that he was under duress when he was forced to throw their bodies into the pig enclosure,” according to statements from both his legal counsel and the prosecution.
The women had reportedly been foraging for expired dairy products set aside for pigs when the incident occurred.
If the court finds his testimony credible, the charges against De Wet may be dropped entirely.
The case has ignited widespread condemnation and reignited tensions around race and land ownership in South Africa.
More than three decades after the fall of apartheid, white landowners continue to dominate private farmland, while black labourers often work under harsh and underpaid conditions, a reality that fuels resentment in rural communities. Conversely, many white farmers voice concerns about rural crime.
The other two accused in the case are Zachariah Olivier, 60, and William Musora, 50, a Zimbabwean national.
Neither has entered a plea. Both remain in custody and are facing multiple charges, including attempted murder for allegedly firing at Ms Ndlovu’s husband, who was with her during the incident.
Mr Musora faces an additional charge under South Africa’s Immigration Act due to his status as an undocumented migrant.
Supporters, family members of the victims, and members of the opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters, which has called for the farm’s closure, filled the Limpopo High Court for the hearing.
In a poignant moment, Mr Olivier’s wife was seen in the front row of the public gallery, visibly emotional and wiping away tears.
The hearing has been adjourned and is scheduled to continue next week.