Only 2 of 3 suspects linked to Bishop Lavis mass murder appear in court

CAPE TOWN - It's unclear why only two suspects appeared in the Bishop Lavis Magistrates Court for the mass murder of seven people and one attempted murder in the area.

This after SAPS detectives arrested three suspects in Valhalla Park last Friday, who are linked to the mass killing.

Police said that armed men entered the backyard of an informal dwelling last Thursday, where they shot and killed six people on Kogelberg Road.

A seventh person died in hospital the following day.

One survivor remains in a critical condition.

The magistrate told EWN that the court proceedings for the two suspects would take place in-camera behind closed doors.

This is because one of the two accused is a 17-year-old teen.

He appeared along with a 27-year-old Austin Spandiel.

They are charged with seven counts of murder, one attempted murder, and possession of an illegal firearm.

The court corridors were unusually empty, contrary to the norm where cases of this nature attract scores of community members.

The two suspects will remain behind bars until their next appearance on Friday for a bail application.