According to a police spokesperson, Mvula Chaka, the matter was postponed until November 3 for further investigation, as a third suspect wanted by police is still at large. The 32-year-old Abongile Hala and 26-year-old Macreush Matlou will remain in custody until then.

The couple was allegedly stripped naked and burned with hot cooking oil and boiling water. Melted plastic was also poured over their bodies. Victor died in a hospital in Vereeniging on September 3. Gwen was discharged from hospital after the attack.

It was reported that Victor was overpowered outside his house in the early hours of the morning. He is thought to have lost consciousness and was apparently dragged into the house. Gwen was inside the house.

The robbers, wearing balaclavas, reportedly demanded money during the attack. At one stage they found the keys of the Cooks' safe. A firearm, an unknown amount of money, a laptop, two cell phones, and jewellery were taken before they fled the scene.

The couple's son from Johannesburg suspected something was amiss when he could not get hold of his parents telephonically. He called a neighbour and asked them to go to his parents' home. The injured couple was found in the house.

Hala and Matlou were arrested in the city in early September. They appeared in the local Magistrate's Court on September 18 on charges of murder and robbery. Bail was denied to them and the case was postponed for further investigation until today (October 16).

Two men were initially taken in for questioning but were later released. At the time of their arrest, Hala and Matlou were found in possession of a cellphone that was taken during the attack.

OFM News