SUSPECTED sugarcane serial killer Thozamile Taki appeared a worried man yesterday when his defence attorney struggled with his questions posed to a key police witness.

Taki, 38, and his co-accused, former girlfriend Hlengiwe Nene, 38, appeared in the Ramsgate high court.

Taki has pleaded not guilty to 13 charges of robbery.

He allegedly tricked women into believing he was an employment agent recruiting people to work at Umzinto.

Nene faces charges of conspiracy to rob.

Yesterday's proceedings began with the testimony of Constable Mthokozisi Jele, who was with the police team led by Taki to various murder scenes on September 27 2007.

Jele was questioned on the events of that day, which led to several mutilated bodies being located.

Defence counsel Thulani Shange struggled when he opposed Jele's testimony and posed questions to the witness.

At one point Judge King Ndlovu had to intervene to prevent further confusion.

Jele rejected claims by Taki that he (Taki) was forced to lead the police to the scene the day the bodies were found.

At one stage Taki raised his hand to get Shange's attention and then further briefed him on the events of that day.