What's happened
Zachariah Johannes Olivier and two employees face multiple charges, including premeditated murder, after allegedly killing two women who were trespassing on his Limpopo farm. The victims were reportedly shot and their bodies found in a pigsty. The case has sparked outrage and protests in South Africa.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Sky News, the accused face serious charges, including possession of an unlicensed firearm, and the state is pushing for them to remain in custody until trial. The Guardian emphasizes the public's outrage, noting that the South African Human Rights Commission has condemned the killings and called for anti-racism dialogues. The Independent adds that the victims were scavenging for expired goods, raising questions about the socio-economic conditions that led to their actions. These perspectives illustrate the multifaceted nature of the case, highlighting legal, social, and political dimensions.
How we got here
The incident occurred in August when Locadia Ndlovu and Maria Makgatho trespassed on Olivier's farm to collect expired dairy products. They were shot, and their bodies were discovered days later, leading to the arrests of Olivier and his employees.
More on these topics
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South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is the southernmost country in Africa. With over 59 million people, it is the world's 24th-most populous nation and covers an area of 1,221,037 square kilometres.
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Limpopo is the northernmost province of South Africa. It is named after the Limpopo River, which forms the province's western and northern borders. The capital and largest city in the province is Polokwane.