Radasi Sekgatja, the lawyer representing Kuphe, said: “We are not amiable to postponing the matter for more than seven days. Any period longer will prejudice the accused. We are of the view that the matter be transferred to another court.”
The lawyer for the 27-year-old, Gerhard Landman, said it would be a travesty of justice for him to remain in custody because there was no electricity.
“It’s a violation of the accused’s rights,” he said.
The 27-year-old suspect was alleged to have introduced himself to the Khoza family under the false name of Sibusiso Khoza, claiming to be long-lost relative. He connected with them via Facebook. The court has since heard that this was not his real name and he is an illegal immigrant from Zimbabwe.
He was arrested while trying to cross the border back to Zimbabwe just days after the decomposed bodies of the family members were found by police.
He may not be named because he is facing an additional rape charge and has not yet pleaded.
Vlakfontein residents have signed a petition demanding that the two men be denied bail.