Middelburg court hears gruesome testimony in murder case
The accused are: Zenzela Mzikayise Yende (48), Werner Potgieter (48), Moses Dlamini (59), Masodeni Elliot Msongelwa Dlamini (61), Cornelius Lourens Greyling (26), Sikhumbuzo Zikalala Nhlabathi (25), Mzwakhe Dlamini (48), and Nkosinathi Msibi (26).
They are alleged to have been involved in the brutal attack on three men, which resulted in the deaths of Sifiso Thwala and Musa Nene on 9 August 2020. The third victim survived.
Station Commander Captain Elfas Jabulani Gwebu testified that on August 10, 2020, he attended a scene where he found a red Toyota Corolla with an open boot at a farm. In the boot he saw two sheep.
When he went towards the backseat of the car, he said he saw two black men who appeared to be dead, and a third one in the front passenger seat who appeared to be alive.
Gwebu further added that he saw a group of men and walked up to them to introduce himself. He asked the men what had happened, and said that Werner Potgieter, one of the accused, allegedly responded that the men who knew what had happened would give their statements through a lawyer.
Sibonelo Vilakazi, one of the witnesses called by the State, told the court that he was employed by Potgieter to guard his sheep and was on duty on the day of the incident. Vilakazi testified that a suspicious vehicle was spotted driving around where the sheep were kept.
He added that upon seeing the vehicle, he called other people to ask them if they had seen the suspicious car, which they all agreed to have seen.
Vilakazi further testified that Zenzela Yende, who worked as a supervisor on the farm, was called and told about the car after they could not reach Potgieter on the phone.
He said they searched the suspicious vehicle and only found car tools in the boot.
The group then allegedly started assaulting the three men in the car upon the arrival of Potgieter and Yende. The three men were allegedly slapped and questioned as to what they were doing on the farm.
Vilakazi said they tied up the three men and continued assaulting them. He added that they did not find anything in the car and were then informed by Potgieter to go and fetch two sheep and put them in the car to make it look like the victims were actually on the farm to steal. This was allegedly done so that when the police arrived, they could arrest the victims.
More accused were allegedly fetched from nearby houses to come and assault the victims further.
He testified that one of the accused instructed them to fetch rocks, which were allegedly used to assault one of the victims on his foot.
He added that different tools were used by the other accused, such as sjamboks, a knobkerrie, and pliers.
One of the accused allegedly used pliers to pinch a victim on the ears, his inner thighs, and scrotum.
Potgieter allegedly told them not to hit the victims on the head as they belonged to the government. Vilakazi added that he did not know what Potgieter meant by that.
• The case was adjourned for more testimony from the witness. The matter is ongoing for trial.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Trial of trio accused of feeding slain women to pigs stirs outrage for justice in South Africa
The gruesome murder trial of a white farmer and two of his workers accused of dumping the bodies of two women in a pigsty has reignited calls for justice and accountability across South African communities. This internationally watched case has been postponed until next week, and it has already sparked strong reactions from labour and human rights activists. This trial, which began on Monday at the Polokwane High Court, follows the discovery in August 2024 of the decomposed remains of Maria Makgato and Kudzai Ndlovu, found within a pig's enclosure on a farm in Sebayen. The two women were reportedly killed while searching for food on a farm near Polokwane, and their bodies were then allegedly fed to pigs in an attempt to destroy evidence. Their bodies were then alleged to have been given to pigs in an apparent attempt to dispose of the evidence. Pig farmer Zachariah Olivier, as well as farm employees Rudolf De Wet and William Musora, face charges of murder and attempted murder for shooting at Ndlovu's husband, who was with the women at the farm, as well as possession of an unlicensed firearm and obstructing justice. Musora, a Zimbabwean national, is also facing an additional charge under the Immigration Act for allegedly being in the country illegally. De Wet, a 20-year-old, turned State witness when the trial started on Monday, testified that Olivier was the one who shot and killed the two women. Mametlwe Sebei, president of the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa), said the union welcomes the start of the trial, despite the unjustifiable delays that have deepened the pain for the victims' families and farmworkers across the country. He further stated that the horrific crime, killing impoverished Black individuals scavenging for food and leaving their bodies for pigs to consume like refuse, exemplifies the ongoing dehumanisation faced by farmworkers. Sebei noted that this reflects a persistent system of white terror and severe exploitation still prevalent on farms. He emphasised that they are calling for the trial, along with a harsh sentence, to send a clear message that such brutality will not be tolerated in a democratic South Africa. Sebei warned that the case reveals ongoing failures to protect and support farmworkers in rural areas, who remain isolated and vulnerable due to weak government oversight, poor access to unions, and a legacy of exploitation. He stressed the need to address these issues to prevent future abuses. 'Many farmers operate as feudal lords, believing oversight won't reach them. There is a need to send a message and create conditions where this cannot be. 'The case also epitomises how racialised, exploitative labour practices persist 30 years into democracy. Although in this case the victims might not have been workers, the reign of terror they have fallen victim to directly points to the door of this parasitic system of primitive slavery.' Sebei added that while efforts to organise farmworkers, raise awareness of their rights, and provide legal assistance, these initiatives often encounter resistance from farmers who obstruct access to their farms. This challenge is further compounded by government policies that permit such obstructions. He said it' s crucial to build workers' confidence, and I believe this can be achieved through mass campaigns, rural rallies, and strong solidarity from the broader labour movement. The trial was postponed to next week. The Star [email protected]
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
Trial of trio accused of feeding slain women to pigs stirs outrage for justice in South Africa
A trial involving three farm workers accused of a gruesome double murder has ignited demands for justice and reforms in rural South African farming communities. The gruesome murder trial of a white farmer and two of his workers accused of dumping the bodies of two women in a pigsty has reignited calls for justice and accountability across South African communities. This internationally watched case has been postponed until next week, and it has already sparked strong reactions from labour and human rights activists. This trial, which began on Monday at the Polokwane High Court, follows the discovery in August 2024 of the decomposed remains of Maria Makgato and Kudzai Ndlovu, found within a pig's enclosure on a farm in Sebayen. The two women were reportedly killed while searching for food on a farm near Polokwane, and their bodies were then allegedly fed to pigs in an attempt to destroy evidence. Their bodies were then alleged to have been given to pigs in an apparent attempt to dispose of the evidence. Pig farmer Zachariah Olivier, as well as farm employees Rudolf De Wet and William Musora, face charges of murder and attempted murder for shooting at Ndlovu's husband, who was with the women at the farm, as well as possession of an unlicensed firearm and obstructing justice. Musora, a Zimbabwean national, is also facing an additional charge under the Immigration Act for allegedly being in the country illegally. De Wet, a 20-year-old, turned State witness when the trial started on Monday, testified that Olivier was the one who shot and killed the two women. Mametlwe Sebei, president of the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa), said the union welcomes the start of the trial, despite the unjustifiable delays that have deepened the pain for the victims' families and farmworkers across the country. He further stated that the horrific crime, killing impoverished Black individuals scavenging for food and leaving their bodies for pigs to consume like refuse, exemplifies the ongoing dehumanisation faced by farmworkers. Sebei noted that this reflects a persistent system of white terror and severe exploitation still prevalent on farms. He emphasised that they are calling for the trial, along with a harsh sentence, to send a clear message that such brutality will not be tolerated in a democratic South Africa. Sebei warned that the case reveals ongoing failures to protect and support farmworkers in rural areas, who remain isolated and vulnerable due to weak government oversight, poor access to unions, and a legacy of exploitation. He stressed the need to address these issues to prevent future abuses. 'Many farmers operate as feudal lords, believing oversight won't reach them. There is a need to send a message and create conditions where this cannot be. 'The case also epitomises how racialised, exploitative labour practices persist 30 years into democracy. Although in this case the victims might not have been workers, the reign of terror they have fallen victim to directly points to the door of this parasitic system of primitive slavery.' Sebei added that while efforts to organise farmworkers, raise awareness of their rights, and provide legal assistance, these initiatives often encounter resistance from farmers who obstruct access to their farms. This challenge is further compounded by government policies that permit such obstructions. He said it's crucial to build workers' confidence, and I believe this can be achieved through mass campaigns, rural rallies, and strong solidarity from the broader labour movement. The trial was postponed to next week. The Star [email protected]
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Witness reveals cocaine purchases at Tees Tavern during High Court trial
The Durban High Court has learned that a State witness used to buy drugs at Tees Tavern. Image: File A victim of the violence that took place in Phoenix during the July 2021 unrest has told the Durban High Court on Tuesday morning that he used to buy cocaine from Tees Tavern. However, he told the court that he does not know Trevor Gopal, who allegedly incited violence against black Africans. Gopal is on trial with Ravine Naidoo, Tyreece Govender, and Timothy Govender for the murder of Njabulo Allen Dlamini, two counts of attempted murder, public violence, and malicious property damage. Gopal, the owner of Tees Tavern, is also charged with incitement to commit public violence. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The victim, who is a State witness, Nkosikhona Madlala, 27, has told the court that before July 12, 2021, the day when he was allegedly assaulted together with his two friends, he had gone to Tees Tavern. Madlala, who started leading his evidence on Tuesday, stated that on the day of the incident, July 12, 2021, Dlamini, Sandile Sambo, Sanele Merase, Mthobisi Ntuli, and Linda Khawula came to fetch him at his home in iNanda. He said the driver was Merase. 'They came in a Toyota Quantum with a written logo on its rear and above the windscreen, Touch Africa,' Madlala explained. He said that as his friends came to fetch him from his home, they told him 'that we must go to Tees' Tavern to buy'. Madlala said he went inside the house to take money, and they then drove to Phoenix. Additionally, he mentioned that some roads had been closed with plastic barricades. Moreover, Madlala has so far told the court that he knows Naidoo, Tyreece, and Timothy from the scene on July 12. He, however, said he does not know Gopal. 'It is the first time seeing him here,' Madlala told the court. According to the State, Dlamini, Madlala, and Sambo were hit with golf sticks, baseball bats, and sjamboks. It also alleges that wooden pallets were placed on their bodies and liquid fuel was poured on them with the intent to burn them to death. Dlamini later died at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital due to blunt force head injuries. The previous State witness told the court that Gopal ordered that Madlala, Sambo, and Dlamini be burnt together with their taxi after they were assaulted. He also stated that Tyreece and Timothy assaulted Dlamini with a hammer and a rock on the head. The trial continues.
