Polokwane - Judgment in the case of a couple accused of killing four people and defrauding them and others was postponed until next month by the Polokwane High Court on Friday.
Judge Mabena said judgment would take place over two days, beginning on February 13, a Sapa correspondent reported.
Thomas Mothwa, 43, and his wife Refilwe are charged with 53
offences, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, fraud, theft, racketeering, and possession of drugs.
They allegedly waited near banks in Limpopo and Rustenburg, North West, and offered people lifts, but drugged them, and dumped their comatose bodies at the side of the road, over a bridge, or into a river.
They then allegedly used their victims' bank cards and identity documents to steal money from their bank accounts.
Four people were killed. James Molomo and George Moshoana are still missing.
In closing arguments, prosecutor Abbey Koalipe said the State had proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Mothwa and his wife were behind the crimes that led to the deaths.
It was clear that the victims were robbed, and that their money was channelled into the account of Mothwa's wife, who had helped him to lure victims, Koalipe told the court.
However, Herman Alberts, for Thomas Mothwa, questioned the way in which he was arrested and evidence was gathered.
He claimed the process by which Mothwa was identified was manipulated and should be disregarded by the court.
Alberts also contended that the State witnesses had contradicted themselves on more than one occasion.
Mawela Mogashoa, for Refilwe Mothwa, sought to have the racketeering charges withdrawn. The State had accused the couple of leading a group that perpetrated the crimes.
Sapa