The 40-year-old man appeared briefly in the Goodwood Magistrate's’ Court, where the matter was postponed to establish a High Court date.
Saunders, wearing blue jeans and a black jacket, raised eyebrows as he sported several bruises on his face, and what appeared to be a bite mark in his neck.
He is currently being held in the hospital section of Goodwood prison for his own safety.
Courtney’s fragile-looking mom, Juanita Pieters, and her father, Aaron Fourie, sat huddled together, now and again raising their heads to stare at the back of Saunders’ head.
Saunders and Aaron grew up together, and he had been boarding with the family in their Pluto Street, Elsies River, home when Courtney was killed.
State prosecutor, Dandridge Neethling, informed the court that the investigation was not yet complete.
SLAIN: Courtney Pieters was found buried in shallow grave
According to Dandridge, two items were still outstanding, but the DNA, all medical reports and witness statements had already been collected.
Magistrate Paul Visagie then asked when the case would move to the Western Cape High Court.
Neethling said a High Court date would be announced at the accused’s next appearance, “when the investigation would surely be finalised”.
Supporters who want justice for Courtney stood outside the courthouse wearing T-shirts with her face on it.
ATTEND: Courtney’s father Aaron and mother Juanita
Outside court, Juanita said she was tired of the “never-ending” postponements.
“I just want this to be over and I want my daughter to find peace. This is very difficult for us as a family, but we can just go on and hope things will get better as time goes on. That is all we can do,” said the emotional mom.
Courtney went missing on 3 May from her family home. She was found nine days later, buried in a shallow grave at Bofors Circle, Epping Industria.
Saunders is back in court on 6 October.