The man accused of hacking the heads off four people appeared briefly in the Engcobo Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, said police.

The case against Sebezile Gexa (37), was postponed until 19 December and transferred to the Delasile Magistrate's Court, said Captain Bonisile Sigobe. He remains in custody.

He would bring a formal bail application during his next court appearance.

Sigobe said Gexa was apparently related to his four alleged victims. They included his 65-year-old uncle and two cousins aged 34 and 23. The fourth person, a 52-year-old policeman stationed at the Delasile Police Station, was a distant relative.

Sapa