Julius Mndawe - the alleged "Masoyi Monster" - was remanded in custody after appearing briefly in court on Tuesday in connection with five murders in Mpumalanga.

The suspected serial killer, who was arrested earlier in July, is suspected of being behind the deaths of four women and a 15-year-old girl between January 2018 and May 2019.

He was arrested after being traced to his home outside Hazyview.

Mndawe first appeared in court two weeks ago in connection with the murder of a 24-year-old woman in May.

Police said while in custody he allegedly confessed to more murders. At the weekend he pointed out the whereabouts of more bodies.

As scores of angry residents protested outside the Masoyi Magistrate's Court, trying to force their way inside and demanding Mndawe be handed over to them, heavily armed police officers led him into court.

With his head lowered, he listened as he was told that he was being charged with additional murders.

Police spokesman Col Mtsholi Bembe said Mndawe faced five charges of murder and concealment of bodies and two counts of violation of a corpse.

Mndawe is due to appear in court on Friday for a bail application.