The officers started the search on Sunday for Danie Brand, 83, his wife, Breggie, 73, and their 54-year-old daughter, Elzabie.
By Tuesday, their bodies were found and suspects were arrested.
“No one wants to believe the police are doing an outstanding job. We say: Boys, well done. We are so thankful for what police managed to do,” family spokesperson Stephen Bennie said on Thursday.
He said seven different police units were involved in the search process on Monday night.
Donald Seolesang, 20, Tshepo Visagie, 36, Realeboga Manyedi, 19, Kgomotso Mpumlwana, 43, and Tshepaone Melato, 19, were the suspects arrested.
Bennie said some of the relatives attended the first court appearance in Hartswater Regional Court on Thursday.
Although, it was emotional for them but it was necessary for them to face the suspects.
The woman’s husband was able to identify the victims’ bodies in Kimberley.
Bennie said the husband had an opportunity to speak to the investigating officer.
“That gave them a lot of clarity. Things are coming together and they got a lot of answers.”
“At least they are beginning to get some closure or sense of what happened.”
The family were also grateful for the massive turnout of the community, which organised a convoy to the court.
Regional National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the State would oppose bail, given the seriousness of the charges.
The five accused will remain in custody until their bail application on 13 August.
