Two men, accused of killing the top criminal defence lawyer, Pete Mihalik made a brief appearance in the Cape Town Magistrates court on Thursday.
The anti-gang unit swept the courtroom keeping journalists at bay until the all-clear was given by the heavily armed officers.
The 26-year-old Sizwe Biyela and the 31-year-old Nkosinathi Khumalo are facing charges of murder and attempted murder as well as the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The men were arrested on Tuesday shortly after the murder of Mihalik, 50, who was shot in the head at point-blank range as he dropped his children off at their private school Reddam House in Green Point.
Mihalik's 8-year-old son was wounded and is currently recovering at a private hospital. He reportedly has a bullet lodged in his jaw.
His 16-year-old sister, who was also in the car, was not injured.
The state alleged that the murder was premeditated and asked the court to place the two suspects in custody at the Sea Point police cells as there was a reason to believe they may "come to harm" if kept at Pollsmoor prison.
State prosecutor Helena Booysen said the two men were from Kwazulu-Natal and one of them had been out on bail for another serious offence.
Magistrate Greg Jacobs recommended they apply for legal aid as the "very serious matter" would in all likelihood be transferred to the high court.
Biyela opted for legal aid while Khumalo indicated his intention to hire a lawyer.
Both men spoke through an interpreter.
They will be back in court on the 8th of November.
- African News Agency (ANA)
