Man accused of murdering Mpumalanga businesswoman faces court again

JOHANNESBURG – The man accused of murdering Mpumalanga businesswoman Renee Lea will appear in court again on Monday.

Lea was from Standerton but her daughter raised the alarm after being unable to reach her last weekend and her vehicle was subsequently tracked down at a petrol station in Moreleta Park.

Her body was found in the trunk. She was bound and gagged.

Cuan Karelse, 21, who was driving the vehicle, was arrested and charged and made his first court appearance last week.

Cuan Karelse is charged with murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, and illegal possession of weapons and ammunition.

He is accused of killing Renee Lea during a burglary in Standerton, where he is also from.

On Monday last week he appeared in the dock of the Pretoria Magistrate Court for the first time.

The case was adjourned until Monday to obtain information on bail, which the State apparently wanted to refuse, and to allow Karelse to consult with his lawyer about a possible confession.