The two men charged with the murders of five family members made their first appearance on Thursday in the Bityi magistrates court in the Eastern Cape.
The duo – aged 22 and 39 – face multiple charges including five counts of murder, two of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luxulo Tyali said their names were being withheld for investigation purposes.
They were arrested on Tuesday night in Msukweni village.
“It is alleged that on Friday, 18 October 2024, at about 20:30, the family was asleep in two different structures in their homestead in Ncenjana village in the Mthentu area outside Mthatha,” Tyali said in a statement.
“Two unknown males entered the rondavel and shot and killed a 77-year-old man and his 65-year-old wife.
“The assailants proceeded to the house where they fatally shot the couple’s children and grandchild, aged 39, 17 and 13, respectively.”
Tyali said two other children, who survived the attack, managed to run away and informed the neighbours, who then alerted the police.
He said during their brief appearance in court, the older accused indicated that he would appoint a private attorney while the other elected to utilise the services of a Legal Aid attorney.
“They are both to apply for bail, which is opposed by the state,” Tyali said.
The case was postponed to 30 October 2024 for one accused to secure legal representation and a possible bail application.
