The case against the three men accused of killing British citizen Fred Picton-Turbervill was postponed in the Pretoria Regional Court on Monday.
Petro Morkel and Rasel Thembe — both from Mozambique — as well as Thokozane Nhlapo made a brief court appearance and their case was postponed to January 28.
The men are facing charges of housebreaking with intent to rob, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder and possibly the unlawful possession of ammunition.
The three allegedly broke into Picton-Tubervill’s home in Waterkloof Ridge on January 5.
They forced him, wife Ursula and their four children to lie down as they robbed their house.
Picton-Tubervill was shot in the head during the robbery and later died in hospital.
The accused made off with a laptop, money, jewellery and cellphones.
While in the dock, two of the accused told the court how they had been assaulted — to which the magistrate responded by saying that they should lay charges against those responsible.
Nhlapo told the court how he had not been at the house at the time of the incident — to which the magistrate said that his information should be heard in trial.
The three were arrested in connection with the incident on January 11 in Tembisa.
The case was postponed to allow for further investigation, legal aid, as well as for the engagement of interpreters in the Zulu and Shangaan languages.
The three men will be held at the Brooklyn police station until their next appearance. — Sapa