The three men accused of killing Meghan Cremer made an appearance in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Monday where the matter was postponed because of outstanding DNA results.
Prosecutor Emily van Wyk said the laboratory had informed her that they have received the samples, but due to a backlog, the DNA results would take some time to be processed.
“We hope at the next appearance that the DNA results will be ready and then the matter will be referred to the high court,” Van Wyk said.
Yesterday was also the first time that Meghan’s family faced her accused killers in court.
Meghan’s mother Gill and her brother Paul sat at the back of the courtroom and were supported by Venetia Orgill, a woman and child’s rights activist, as well as members of SA Women Fight Back.
Jeremy Sias, 27, who was known to Meghan, is charged with her kidnapping and murder and armed robbery, while his co accused - Charles Daniels, 34, and Shiraaz Jaftha, 32 - are being charged with theft of a motor vehicle and defeating the ends of justice.
The trio are alleged members of the Six Bob Gang and have been remanded into custody after their bail application was denied last month.
When Daniels stepped into the dock, he greeted his elderly mother, asking when she’s going to visit him in jail.
Meghan’s family said they are not prepared to speak to the media yet.
Orgill said Gill was heartbroken: “I could feel that mother’s pain as I held her hand inside court, the way she pressed my hand.”
Meghan’s body was found on 8 August on a sand mine on a farm in Philippi after an alleged confession by Sias.
She had been strangled to death and a rope was found around her neck.
Police said the suspects were caught in possession of her white Toyota Auris.
The matter was postponed to 30 March.