The three suspects accused of the murder of Mbombela anaesthetist, Dr Nicholas Procter, were remanded in custody when they appeared in the Nelspruit Regional Court on September 12 for the start of their trial.

The matter was partially heard and postponed to October 22 and 24.

The trio, Bheki Ndlovu (38), Nkateko Tshidzumba (24) and Siyabonga Kekana (20) are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted theft, theft, robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder.

ALSO READ: Dr Procter murder: Nelspruit court postpones case

Procter’s father, Malcolm, told Lowvelder that, while he is still mourning the loss of his son, he is relieved that the trial had started.

ALSO READ: Three accused in Dr Nicholas Procter’s murder to appear in court

Dr Procter (40) was reported missing after he failed to show up for work at Mediclinic Nelspruit on February 1, 2024.

Later that day, his car was found, followed shortly by the discovery of his body in a vacation rental unit in the Mopani block of Green Valley Estate.

His hands and feet were bound.

*Read more in Thursday’s print edition for details of court proceedings.