JOHANNESBURG (HPD) — A 21-year-old man has appeared in a South African court in connection with the discovery of six bodies at a car repair shop in Johannesburg.
The victims are believed to be sex workers. The suspect is currently facing a murder charge.
He was arrested on Sunday in connection with the disappearance of a woman, but five other bodies were later discovered during his arrest.
The suspect is expected to be presented to witnesses along with other men for identification before he appears in court again on Oct. 18, authorities said.
The case has sparked protests from women’s rights groups, who have called on the police and other authorities to do more to combat gender-based violence.
Members of the groups protested outside the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, calling for the suspect to be denied bail.
The media has been prohibited from publishing images of the suspect until identification work has been carried out.