The case against 10 men accused of hacking to death a Transkei woman and her four grandchildren was postponed in the Ngqeleni Magistrates Court, Eastern Cape police said.

"The men were remanded in police custody and the case was postponed to September 21 for bail application," said Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela.

Masilengenge Bambusiba, 85, her grandsons Lwazi, 17, Lwando, 10, and Vela Nogemane, 9, and granddaughter Ezile Nogemane, 5, were found dead at their home in Sigubudu village in Ngqeleni on August 22.

Police suspected a bush knife or a panga might have been used, but said no weapon was found on the scene.

The motive for the killing was unknown and nothing was stolen from the house. Bambusiba and her grandchildren were buried in the family's garden.