MORE arrests are expected in a case involving the death of four initiates in Botshabelo, Free State.

This was revealed when the case of four men accused of running an illegal initiation school, where the deaths took place, was postponed in the Botshabelo Magistrate's Court yesterday.

State prosecutor Nomsa Ngwata asked the court to postpone the matter because more suspects were expected to be arrested.

"I ask for a postponement of the case because other suspects are expected to be arrested and the police also need to verify the addresses of the accused," Ngwata said.

Daniel Thabatau, 29, his brother Lehlohonolo Thabatau, 26, Mohau Motumi, 24 and Sesing Chapi, 21, are facing four charges of murder and of assault.

Sibongile Tloubatla, the lawyer representing Thabatau and Lehlohonolo, was unhappy about the postponement. She argued that she was ready to proceed with the formal bail application because her clients were entitled to a speedy trial.

Pono Setshedi, who represented Motumi and Chapi, said: "My clients have been in custody for two weeks now and I believe their rights have been infringed. They have the right to apply for and be granted bail."

Thabatau, Lehlohonolo, Motumi and Chapi allegedly killed initiates Morena Potsane, 17, Mthandazo Kuzwayo, 19, Itumeleng Tshiane, 19, and Thembekile Motselebane, 18, two weeks ago.

The deceased were allegedly assaulted and their buttocks burnt with hot iron rods.

Thabatau is alleged to have been the leader of the initiation school, while Lehlohonolo, Motumi and Chapi were tutors.

Police were alerted about the deaths after one of the initiates died in hospital from severe injuries.

Police found 30 initiates and three bodies at the initiation school. Eleven initiates with severe injuries had to be taken to hospital.

• This article was first published in the printed newspaper on 12 July 2012