The trial of the town’s brutal and infamous “hand case” is set to start soon.

Freddy Azwitamisi Tshikhudo (38), who stands accused of the murder of Rumbidzai Manyere (36), appeared in the Louis Trichardt District Court again on Monday. He is facing two counts of rape and single counts of murder, housebreaking and robbery. 

During Monday’s court appearance, Tshikhudo was trying to bring a second bail application on the rape, housebreaking and robbery charges. He was already denied bail on the charge of murder. Police officers and other lawyers attending court were all of the opinion that his application was futile, as he has already been convicted of murder and rape. During his previous bail application, his criminal record was read in court. Tshikhudo had been convicted of rape, murder, housebreaking, theft, assault and stock theft between 1993 and 2006.

The latest charge of murder was brought against him after his arrest in April last year at the Elti Café in Eltivillas, when he allegedly tried to rob the business by using a severed human arm. Following his arrest, Tshikhudo led the police to the place where the murdered Manyere’s body was found. Manyere’s right arm, both eyes and her private parts had been removed. Her body itself was in an advanced state of decomposition.

After a very brief court appearance on Monday, Tshikhudo’s case was postponed until 20 June this year, when a High Court date is expected to be made known for his trial. Sources within the police have indicated that their investigations into the matter have been finalized and ready for trial. Tshikhudo will remain in custody until then.