The case of a 52-year-old man detained on Christmas Day for allegedly murdering seven members of his family has been rescheduled for January of next year.
Azwidowi Enoch Ndou appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday at the Malamulele magistrate's court. He is suspected of murdering seven family members on Saturday in Limpopo's Jim Jones community. He faces seven counts of murder.
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the NPA's spokesperson, said the case was postponed to allow for further investigation and to get legal representation for the accused.
Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, a spokesperson for the SAPS, said officers in Malamulele opened murder charges after family members were murdered shortly after midnight on December 25. He stated that the culprit was apprehended after surrendering to police in Thohoyandou.
Additionally, the pistol reportedly used in the incident was seized.
Mpho Donald Ndou, 33, Ndivhuwo Douglas Ndou, 33, his wife Portia Mabasa, 37, Rendani Winnus Ndou, 12, Wanga Ndou, 1, Ronewa Ndou, 4, and Dakalo Makondo Ndou, 8, were named as the seven victims.
According to family spokesperson Thendo Mulaudzi, the violence was likely prompted by a dispute over the family house.
"There is no family feud," he stated emphatically. Rather than that, he stated that the conflict was over who could "manage who could come to the family house and who could stay there."
The suspect was not a full-time resident of the residence.
According to Mulaudzi, the incident occurred at the home of the victims' grandfather.
"As a family, we prefer not to discuss the tragedy because no one who witnessed it is still alive," she explained.
"The family is dealing with it. We are appreciative of the help we have received from many individuals.
"The court case has been rescheduled until January 5. We'll have to wait and see how it goes. He is still detained."
Mulaudzi stated that the family wishes for the law to take its course.
Limpopo's socioeconomic development MEC Nkakareng Rakgoale appeared in court alongside mayors of the Vhembe district municipality Dowelani Nenguda and Collins Chabane municipality Moses Maluleke, urging the court not to grant bail.
Witness Tiva, a spokesperson for the department of social development, said a task team comprised of officials from the department, the Vhembe district municipality, the Collins Chabane municipality, and representatives of the Ndou family had been formed to prepare for the funeral.
Rakgoale, who paid a visit to the family, stated that the squad would ensure the victims received a proper send-off. She pleaded with anyone who could help to contact the municipality.
"On the day of the burial, when seven people are buried, you cannot expect things to be normal. "We require any and all assistance," she stated.
"There is no family that is capable of burying seven members simultaneously."
