THE man accused of murdering Nhlalwenhle Magwaza (7) appeared in the Umbumbulu Magistrate’s Court today (January 12), amid protests from the community who  called for the court to keep him in jail until the case is finalised.

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The accused, whom the victim’s family requested that he not be named for now, was making his first court appearance after his arrest on January 8. He walked into the court and offered to confess to the crime. The man is related to the deceased.

The protesting community were calling for bail to be denied when the time comes for the accused to apply for bail.

After he was arrested, the accused led the police to a river in Umbumbulu where Nhlalwenhle’s remains were found. Samples have been sent for DNA testing and to determine other crimes that may have been committed on her.

The magistrate postponed the case and ordered the accused to see the district surgeon and the psychologist to determine his fitness to stand for trial.

The case was postponed to an unspecified date pending the reports from the district surgeon and the psychologist.

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