In a shocking turn of events, South African state prosecutors have formally dropped charges against Adrian de Wet, a farm worker linked to the gruesome killings of two black women, Maria Makgato (45) and Lucia Ndlovu (34). The women were allegedly murdered while scavenging for food on a pig farm near Polokwane in Limpopo province last year. Disturbingly, their bodies were reportedly fed to pigs in an attempt to eliminate evidence of the crime.
De Wet, who is just 20 years old, shifted to a state witness role as the trial commenced on Monday and alleges that the farm owner, Zachariah Johannes Olivier, was the one who shot both women. His testimony claims duress played a crucial role in his actions, as he was compelled to dispose of the bodies in such a horrific manner.
The case also includes William Musora, 50, who remains incarcerated alongside Olivier, 60, with both yet to enter their pleas. Following the adjournment on Wednesday, De Wet left the courthouse a free man, leaving a devastated Walter Makgato, brother of one of the victims, sobbing outside. He expressed his belief that justice has been denied with De Wet's release.
To ensure De Wet's safety until the trial concludes, he will be placed in protective custody. This high-profile case has incited outrage throughout South Africa, amplifying existing racial tensions between black and white citizens in a nation where disparities linger, despite the dissolution of apartheid over 30 years ago.
Most farmland ownership remains predominantly with the white minority, while black farm workers endure poor wages, contributing to growing resentment among the black community. Conversely, many white farmers point to rising crime rates as a pressing issue.
The trial is scheduled to continue on October 6th.
