The murder trial of Limpopo farmer **Zacharia Olivier** took a dramatic turn in the **Polokwane High Court** this week after his legal team raised concerns about his safety while in police custody.
Olivier, who is accused of killing two women and allegedly feeding their bodies to pigs, reportedly faced threats of sexual assault while being held in police cells. The allegations were brought before the court on Thursday by his lawyer, **Jacob Venter**, during proceedings.
According to Venter, his client experienced what he described as “severe” threats on Wednesday night. Olivier had remained in police holding cells after his case was postponed and was not transported back to the correctional facility where he is normally detained.
“He was detained in police cells and apparently there were unsavoury and straightforward threats made about him being attacked and sexually abused,” Venter told the court. While he declined to provide detailed specifics, he indicated that the prosecution had also been made aware of the situation.
Venter formally requested that the court issue an order ensuring Olivier’s immediate return to prison detention, where he is usually held. Prosecutor **George Sekhukhune** confirmed that the state was aware of the alleged threats. He suggested that court proceedings adjourn at 3pm to allow for Olivier’s transfer back to prison.
The presiding judge instructed the investigating officer, Captain **Phaladi Makola**, to ensure that Olivier was safely transported back to the correctional facility. The matter was subsequently postponed to Friday.
Olivier is standing trial in connection with the deaths of two women, **Maria Makgatho**, 45, and **Lucadia Ndlovu**, 34. The incident dates back to the evening of August 17, 2024, when the two women were part of a group that allegedly entered Olivier’s farm.
The group had reportedly gone to the property to collect expired food that was intended for pigs. It is alleged that Olivier and his farm supervisor, **Adrian Rudolph de Wet**, opened fire on the group. While several individuals managed to flee the scene, Makgatho and Ndlovu were fatally shot.
The court previously heard allegations that their bodies were then thrown into a pigsty. The gruesome claims have drawn widespread public attention and outrage across the country.
Olivier and De Wet were arrested in connection with the killings, along with a Zimbabwean farmworker who allegedly assisted in disposing of the bodies. De Wet has since turned state witness and is expected to testify against Olivier during the trial.
The case continues to unfold under intense scrutiny, not only because of the disturbing nature of the allegations but also due to the latest concerns raised about the accused’s safety while in custody. Proceedings are expected to resume as the court continues to hear evidence in one of Limpopo’s most shocking murder trials.
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