Four men arrested in connection with the murder of Bruno Bronn, owner of the famous Cape Town gay nightclub Bronx Action Bar, appeared in court.

Bronn's body was found in his home by his domestic worker on Tuesday last week. His hands had been tied and there were marks around his neck.

John Coetzee, Fareez Allie, Achmat Toffa and Kurt Erispe appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court charged with murder.

Last week the police appealed to the public to help trace Coetzee, whose picture was published in a number of newspapers.

Police pounced on Coetzee in Bo-Kaap following a tip-off. The other three were arrested in Salt River, Brooklyn and Goodwood at the weekend.

The four were not asked to plead. The motive for the murder is not known.

Coetzee has admitted that he has three previous convictions: two for possession of drugs and one for assault.

Magistrate Justhree Steyn postponed the case to Monday next week for a bail hearing. The men will remain in custody at the Sea Point police station until then.

The police have indicated that the four might face more charges.

Bronn's BMW was recovered in Milnerton. The police have seized another vehicle thought to have been used in the crime.

Sabelo Ntaba, who had worked at the Bronx Action Bar as a cleaner, attended the court hearing.

He said Coetzee was close to Bronn and that he had worked at the night club as a handyman and later as a bouncer.

Bronn's long-time friend, Phillip King, welcomed the police's swift action.

He said Bronn had for a long time feared for his life.

"We feel that this case has been taken seriously. As a minority group, we appreciate it," said King.