Mankweng -
Three teenagers and a man accused of the murder a senior government official appeared in the Mankweng Magistrate's Court on Thursday, Limpopo police said.
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said their case was postponed to January 16 for a bail application.
The four were arrested in Mankweng on Tuesday, for the murder of Ephraim Mashiane, 54, a director in the province's economic development, environment and tourism department.
Mashiane went missing on September 1 last year. His burnt-out car was later found in Ga-Mothapo, about 35km east of Polokwane.
His body was found floating in Schoonoord Dam in Sekhukhune, about 150km from the initial crime scene, a month after his disappearance.
He been stabbed several times. It was suspected that he was hijacked before he was killed.
The four - a 16-year-old, two 19-year-olds and one man aged 20 - have been charged with kidnapping, hijacking and murder. - Sapa