But they left disappointed — media reports had got it wrong and Mortimer Saunders, 40, is scheduled to appear on Wednesday.
About 300 people had expected the close friend and tenant of Courtney's family to appear in Court A at the Goodwood Magistrates' Court.
The courthouse was buzzing with community members and media, a police helicopter circled above and six officers were stationed at the two entrances to court A.
Everyone present in the courtroom, including the state prosecutor, the legal aid attorney, clerks and the orderlies were of the impression that the accused was to appear.
The Saunders family — mother, father, brother and sister — were all seated in the gallery when the state prosecutor announced the case would not be heard until Wednesday.
There was frustration and disappointment among community members, one man could be heard saying guy he would sit there the entire day, and nobody was going to deny him a glimpse of "Courtney’s killer".
DISAPPOINTED: A few community members waiting outside court for Mortimer, but he was a no-show. CREDIT: Ayanda Ndamane
Saunders was arrested in Saturn Close at the home of his priest father, and had apparently been charged on Monday evening.
National Prosecuting Authority Spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila, however, said there was never any question that he would be appearing on Wednesday morning.
“The matter will be in court tomorrow. It was never enrolled in the first place,” says Ntabazalila.
As cameras from various news houses snapped away, the Saunders family exited the courtroom, as stunned as everyone else.
Courtney’s parents were not at court.
MURDERED: Courtney Pieters, 3. CREDIT: Supplied
The three-year-old went missing on May 4 and her body was discovered on May 13, hidden under branches on a field in Epping.
Saunders was arrested a street away from her family's home in Pluto Road, Salberau.