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THE South Africa Mankweng Magistrates Court on Tuesday postponed a gruesome murder case against three men accused of fatally shooting Maria Makgato (45) and Lucia Ndlovu (34).
The pair was allegedly shot to death before their bodies were fed to pigs on August 17. Their bodies were discovered on August 21 at Onverwacht Farm in Sebayeng, outside Mankweng, Limpopo.
The accused, Zacariah Olivier (60), Adriaan De Wet (19) and William Musoro (45), are facing two counts of murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and defeating the ends of justice.
Musoro faces an additional charge of contravening the Immigration Act. The court heard that De Wet will be represented by a new lawyer, Muhammed Farouk.
De Wet also accused police of assaulting him in custody and intends to open a criminal case against South Africa Police Service.
“Your worship, during consultation with my client, it was noted that my client was assaulted and tortured by some of the police. My client also recognises the person who was part of the assault. I don’t know if the court will grant permission for my client to point out the person,” revealed Farouk.
Responding to the assault allegations, Capricorn District Police Commissioner, Major General Lesiba Mashilo, said: “As far as the assault allegations against the police are concerned, what I will indicate is that from where we are sitting, our police officers are well trained and always urged to follow lawful procedures when dealing with suspects. These allegations will be subjected to investigations and the victim in this matter is also allowed to approach the police and open an assault case, which will therefore be probed by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate,”
On August 30, the case was postponed to give the defence sufficient time for consultations with their clients. The bail application has been moved to be heard at the Polokwane Regional Court.
This follows a confirmation certificate issued by the Director of Public Prosecution in Polokwane, Advocate Ivy Thenga.
“The DPP has issued a certificate indicating that the bail application hearing be held in the Regional Court of Polokwane on October 2, 2024. The accused persons are remanded in custody,” said Mashudu Malabi-Dzangi, NPA Regional Spokeswoman.
Maria Makgato was laid to rest on September 1, at Kotishing Village outside Polokwane and Lucia’s body was repatriated to her home country, Zimbabwe. The sole survivor in this gruesome murder, Mabuto Ndlovu, is currently out of hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds. – (www.snl24.com)
Online Reporter