JOHANNESBURG, August 20, 2008 (AFP) - Security was tight on Wednesday around a packed magistrates court where a high-school pupil who killed a fellow student with a sword this week was charged with murder and attempted murder.

Armed policemen cordoned off the road leading to the court.

The accused donned a macabre ninja-like outfit and wore a home-made mask to resemble a samurai before going on a violent spree on Monday in which he fatally stabbed a 16-year-old boy . He also injured another pupil and two school gardeners.

The Krugersdorp magistrates court adjourned the case until August 27 for the accused to find a lawyer, SAPA news agency reported.