Man Denied Bail in Brutal Murder
Cuan Karelse, accused of murdering 57-year-old Renee Lea from Mpumalanga, has been denied bail by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. Man Denied Bail in Brutal Murder.
The 21-year-old from Standerton faces charges of murder, robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm, and ammunition.
State prosecutor Chris Maruma opposed Karelse’s bail, presenting overwhelming evidence and arguing that the accused may evade trial if released.
Karelse had requested bail, citing his need to care for his pregnant girlfriend, but the court agreed with the prosecution’s concerns.
The murder took place on August 24, 2024, when Karelse allegedly entered Lea’s home, tied her up, robbed her, and then drove her body in her Range Rover Velar to Pretoria.
Her body, found in the vehicle’s boot, showed signs of suffocation with cables and tape. Karelse was arrested at a petrol station in Pretoria after the vehicle was tracked down by her daughter.
The court has remanded Karelse in custody until December 5, 2024, when further investigations will continue.
Man Denied Bail in Brutal Murder
