The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has condemned the recent tragic incidents in Sebayeng, Limpopo and Laersdrift, Mpumalanga, where lives had been violently taken, underscoring the urgent need for justice and the protection of human rights.
In Sebayeng, Limpopo, two women, Maria Makgato, 45, and Locadia Ndlovu, 35, were allegedly shot and killed on a farm. Their remains, partly eaten by pigs, were found inside the pigsty after a man, who had been shot and injured, alerted the police.
On August 17, Makgato, Zimbabwean national Ndlovu, and her husband had reportedly gone to the Onvervaght farm to collect rotten products dumped by a dairy merchant.
The suspects, farm owner Zachariah Olivier 60, Andrian de Wet 19, and William Musoro, 40, were arrested and are facing charges of murder, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The Mankweng Magistrate's Court postponed their case on August 30, to September 10, 2024, for profiling and to hear the bail applications of de Wet and Musoro.
The mother of one of the victims, who spoke to Newzroom Afrika last week, said: “My daughter was killed like a dog and fed to pigs. I am deeply hurt and troubled by this murder. As things stand, I do not know how am I going to bury my daughter as I am poor and have no one to help me.”
SAHRC spokesperson Wisani Baloyi said that sadly, the murders and attempted occurred during Women’s Month, a time when South Africa reflected on the progress made towards gender equality and the rights of women. It also came as the nation marked 30 years of democracy, a period that should remind South Africans of their collective responsibility to protect the human rights of all individuals.
In Laersdrift, outside Middleburg, Mpumalanga, a farmer and his security guard were arrested for the alleged murder of two men at a farm on August 22. The bodies were allegedly burnt beyond recognition, further compounding the cruelty of the acts.
“The SAHRC is committed to ensuring that justice is served in both cases. We will attend court proceedings to monitor the processes closely and ensure that the rights of the victims and their families are upheld,” said Baloyi.
Baloyi said the commission would visit the victims' families to offer their support and solidarity discuss with them the civil remedies available to them and have anti-racism dialogues with the affected communities.
“We urge the public to allow the legal processes to unfold and to respect the rule of law. The SAHRC will continue working with relevant authorities to ensure that justice prevails and those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
“The SAHRC stands firmly against all acts that undermine the dignity and rights of individuals. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of all the victims. As we celebrate 30 years of democracy, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the human rights of every person in South Africa. We must continue to stand together against violence and injustice and strive for a society where all individuals are safe and their rights are respected,” Baloyi said. | Additional report from IOL
The Star