The man alleged to have shot dead seven people on a farm in the Koue Bokkeveld on Sunday morning appeared briefly in the Ceres magistrate's court on Tuesday.
Johnny Jooste, 35, is alleged to have killed seven people including his two children, his wife and four other relatives. No charges were put to him and the hearing was postponed to March 13 for further investigation.
Magistrate Kobus Lombaard told Jooste that he had the right to obtain a lawyer and, if he could not afford one, he could apply through the Legal Aid Board.
Jooste, a former defence force soldier, stood upright in the dock with his chest thrust forward and his hands clasped behind his back. He looked straight ahead and showed no emotion.
The crowded court gallery sat silently as Jooste was led in to the dock to face the magistrate.
After the brief appearance, he was led out of the court and handcuffed before being taken away in a police car to the Wolseley police cells.
A few dozen people silently watched as Jooste left.
Jooste's entire appearance lasted less than five minutes.
He is facing seven counts of murder in connection with the fatal shooting of his wife, Elmien, sisters-in-law - Sophia Swarts, Janitta Jacobs and Cornelia Visagie - as well as his sons Blake, 6, and Sanjay, 3. He also allegedly shot dead Swarts's husband, Barend. All of the victims died of single gunshots to their heads from a 9mm pistol.
Jooste's daughter, Ruanne, 13, survived the attack, and his nephew, Wynand van der Kolf, 21, also escaped, fleeing after the first shot was fired. - Sapa