Accused in Limpopo pigsty murder case urged to open separate case after claiming police torture

JOHANNESBURG - Police are calling on one of the accused in the Limpopo pigsty murder case  to open a separate case after alleging he was tortured by officers.

The suspects in the matter farmer Zachariah Olivier and two staff members, Adriaan de Wet and William Musora made their third appearance in the Mankweng Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The trio is linked to the murders of two women whose remains were discovered in a pigsty on Olivier’s farm.

The matter was on the roll for a bail hearing on Tuesday but has now been postponed to October.

The lawyer for Adriaan de Wet, one of the accused, told the court that his client claimed he was assaulted after he was arrested.

The police commissioner for the Capricorn District Lesiba Mashilo attended Tuesday’s proceedings.

And speaking outside court, he emphasised that these were just allegations at this stage but said if Adriaan de Wet decided to open a case, that they would ensure due process was followed.

"Remember, if there is an allegation of assault to the community member by the police it doesn't become the primary investigation of the police but it’s a matter that’s going to be investigated by IPID. So, the police will definitely open up a case upon information as alleged and they’ll refer the matter to IPID and IPID will definitely do a thorough investigation and get to the core of the matter."

Mashilo has stressed that they “discourage” police brutality.

The matter returns to court on 2 October.