Man (21) found with body of dead woman in car boot in Moreleta Park denied bail

The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on October 1 denied Cuan Karelse (21) who is facing a charge for killing 57-year-old Standerton businesswoman and mother, Renee Lea bail.

Karelse pleaded to be released on R1 000 bail so that he could take care of his pregnant girlfriend.
He was arrested in Moreleta Park in Pretoria east in August after being found driving a stolen Range Rover which belonged to the victim. Lea’s body was found wrapped in a carpet in the boot.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said Karelse is facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition as well as a charge of murder.

“The prosecutor, Chris Maruma opposed the accused’s release on bail and told the court the state had a strong case and overwhelming evidence against the accused.”

Maruma added that should the accused be released on bail, he might evade trial.

“The magistrate agreed with the state and found that the accused failed to convince the court that exceptional circumstances exist that warrant his release on bail. Therefore, bail was denied. The accused is remanded in custody.”

Mahanjana added that the matter was postponed to December 5, for further investigations.

She said it is alleged that on the afternoon of August 24, Karelse slipped into Lea’s home as she drove up in her vehicle.

“The accused tied her up, robbed her of her belongings, wrapped her in a carpet, put her in the boot of her car and drove with her to Pretoria.”

She said when the deceased’s daughter could not get hold of her on the phone, she called her car tracking service provider.

“The company then located the car at a petrol station in Moreleta Park, Pretoria while the accused was inside the shop.”

According to Mahanjana, the petrol attendants identified the accused as the person who was driving the vehicle.

The company personnel then apprehended the accused.

“When they opened the boot of the car the deceased body of Lea was found with cables around her neck and her mouth was covered with tape. Police were called and the accused was arrested,” she said.

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