Bernadette Wicks2 September 2024 | 9:42

Man accused of Mpumalanga businesswoman's murder won't be confessing to the crime

Cuan Karelse, who allegedly killed Renee Lea, made his second appearance in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Monday.

Man accused of Mpumalanga businesswoman's murder won't be confessing to the crime

Murder-accused Cuan Carelse at the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Monday, 02 September 2024. Picture: Bernadette Wicks/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - The man accused of Mpumalanga businesswoman Renee Lea’s murder will not be confessing to the crime.

Lea went missing from her Standerton home last weekend.

Her vehicle was found at a petrol station in Moreleta Park in Pretoria. Lea’s body was in the boot.

Twenty-one-year-old Cuan Karelse, who is also from Standerton, made his second appearance in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Monday, after first appearing in the dock one week ago.

Karelse allegedly killed Renee Lea in a home robbery.

He has been charged with murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The matter was postponed until this Monday for bail investigations, and for Karelse to consult with his lawyer regarding a possible confession.

On Monday in court, his Legal Aid attorney indicated they had consulted and he would not be confessing.

Prosecutors told the court that they had not been able to verify his address as no-one was home.

The matter was postponed to 9 September for Karelse to be booked out so he can go and make a pointing out.