Justice must prevail in the 'pigsty' horror case
We are deeply concerned by the horrific events currently unfolding at the Limpopo High Court, where three individuals are facing murder charges.
The details surrounding the alleged deaths of Maria Makgato, 45, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34, who were reportedly shot and then fed to pigs last August on a farm near Polokwane, are profoundly disturbing and have garnered international attention.
Reportedly, the victims visited the farm to scavenge soon-to-expire food, often destined for pigs
The stories of brutality during the apartheid era, though not identical, resonate with such disturbing cases, including the one dating back to 2007, where a South African farmer was jailed for 20 years for killing Zimbabwean farm worker Jealous Dube, whom he claimed he had mistaken for a baboon.
The intent of this editorial is not to reopen old wounds, but rather to serve as a crucial reminder to all South Africans to uphold and respect the constitution, which champions human dignity and the sanctity of life.
We extend our sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased during this incredibly challenging time, and we hope they find healing and closure.
It is imperative that all citizens, regardless of background, unite in condemning such acts of violence that threaten to divide our society.
We are confident that the court will handle the allegations appropriately and ensure that justice is served and perceived to be served.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 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]
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Justice must prevail in the 'pigsty' horror case
Staff Reporter | Updated 27 minutes ago We are deeply concerned by the horrific events currently unfolding at the Limpopo High Court, where three individuals are facing murder charges. The details surrounding the alleged deaths of Maria Makgato, 45, and Lucia Ndlovu, 34, who were reportedly shot and then fed to pigs last August on a farm near Polokwane, are profoundly disturbing and have garnered international attention. Reportedly, the victims visited the farm to scavenge soon-to-expire food, often destined for pigs The stories of brutality during the apartheid era, though not identical, resonate with such disturbing cases, including the one dating back to 2007, where a South African farmer was jailed for 20 years for killing Zimbabwean farm worker Jealous Dube, whom he claimed he had mistaken for a baboon. The intent of this editorial is not to reopen old wounds, but rather to serve as a crucial reminder to all South Africans to uphold and respect the constitution, which champions human dignity and the sanctity of life. We extend our sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased during this incredibly challenging time, and we hope they find healing and closure. It is imperative that all citizens, regardless of background, unite in condemning such acts of violence that threaten to divide our society. We are confident that the court will handle the allegations appropriately and ensure that justice is served and perceived to be served.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Shocking viral schoolgirl bullying incident condemned
Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has condemned the viral video depicting a schoolgirl being assaulted. The video, which has been widely circulated on social media platforms, shows the girl being humiliated and physically assaulted by boys from her school on a school bus. The assault continued even after she had disembarked. Letsike described the incident as 'appalling' and a stark reminder of the pervasive gender-based violence (GBV) within communities and schools. 'No child deserves to endure such brutality, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our schools are safe havens for learning and growth,' Letsike said. The Deputy Minister has called on the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to take swift and decisive action, including a full investigation into the incident, disciplinary measures against the perpetrators, and immediate enforcement of anti-bullying laws, as part of the Code of Conduct for all learners. She also urged the DBE to implement comprehensive prevention programmes to prevent both bullying and acts of GBV in schools. 'This incident should intensify a call to all stakeholders to take immediate action to protect our children and create safe and respectful school environments. We will work tirelessly with the Department of Basic Education, all stakeholders, including parents and educators,' Letsike said. Letsike emphasised the need for greater vigilance from adults, including parents and teachers, in identifying warning signs and addressing problems promptly. 'Learners must feel safe at school. Parents and other adults can help learners who suffer at the hands of bullies,' she said, adding that schools should be free from violence and GBV. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
