Xingwana arrives in court
Women, Children and People with Disabilities Minister Lulu Xingwana arrived at the Brakpan Magistrate's Court on Monday ahead of the appearance of a man accused of murdering his four-year-old niece.
Like most of the protesters, she wore a pink top to court.
Last week, she called for the maximum punishment if the man was found guilty.
A group of protesters stood outside the court on Monday.
While there were fewer protesters that at the man's previous appearances, most of them again wore pink T-shirts to court. The girl was wearing a pink top on the day she was killed.
There was also a strong police presence in and outside the court, with some police on horseback.
The street leading to the court was cordoned off with tape.
The 23-year-old man last appeared in court on Tuesday.
He asked to apply for a State lawyer and the case was postponed until Monday to give him time to do so. He cannot be identified until he has pleaded.
The girl was reported missing on Saturday, December 28.
After being questioned by the police, her uncle apparently confessed to the crime.
He subsequently showed the police the girl's body underneath a bed in her father's flat.
Her parents are divorced and the father reportedly left her in the man's care while he spent time with his girlfriend.
Last Monday, National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Mxolisi Nxasana expressed confidence in the case against the man.
"It's a watertight case and we are certain that we will make a conviction," he said.
Hundreds of people attended the girl's memorial service held in the city last week. Many called for justice.
The girl was cremated last week and her mother had said she intended to scatter her daughter's ashes in the ocean.
-Sapa