Seven men appeared in the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court this morning in a case that has attracted massive attention.

A seventh suspect, Sazi Ndlovu, was arrested in Ntabamhlophe yesterday.

The seven men face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder after they were linked to the female human remains found in Rensburgdrift. A confession to police from one of the suspects about being ‘tired of eating human flesh’ also resulted in their arrests.

ALSO READ: UPDATE: Police confirm identity of human remains found in flesh-eating case

During this morning’s court proceedings, the men were escorted from the holding cells, covering their faces with hoodies and hats.
State prosecutor Mr Zuma informed Magistrate Sookraj that a provisional date for October 12 was being requested.

He said that he was informed by the Legal Aid attorney for the suspects, Ms Hadebe, that she had made a request for a practitioner from the High Court to consult with one of the accused about a possible plea.

The state also requested alternative addresses for the accused. The seventh accused confirmed that he would be abandoning his bail application.

ALSO READ: Suspected cannibals abandon bail

Legal Aid lawyer for the accused, Ms Hadebe told the court that accused one through to six had complained that they had been assaulted in prison and requested medical attention.

Magistrate Sookraj requested that the state investigate the assault claims and said that a J7 certificate would be endorsed for medical attention. She further informed Ms Hadebe that her clients may seek to lay charges.

All seven accused were remanded in custody until the provisional court date on October 12.

Outside the court, the crowd had dwindled since the last appearance but a gathering of community members showed their condemnation for the suspects by singing and holding up placards.

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