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Man (21) found with body of dead woman in car boot in Moreleta Park denied bail
The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court denied bail to Cuan Karelse (21) on October 1. Karelse faces a charge for the killing of 57-year-old Standerton businesswoman and mother, Renee Lea. He requested a bail of R1,000 to look after his pregnant girlfriend. Karelse was arrested in Moreleta Park in Pretoria east in August while driving a stolen Range Rover owned by the victim, with Lea’s body found wrapped in a carpet in the boot.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana stated that Karelse is charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and murder. Prosecutor Chris Maruma opposed bail, citing strong evidence against the accused.
Maruma highlighted concerns that releasing the accused on bail could lead to evasion of trial. The magistrate agreed, stating that exceptional circumstances justifying bail release were not proven, leading to the denial of bail. Karelse remains in custody with the matter postponed to December 5 for further investigations.
The incident allegedly occurred on August 24, where Karelse entered Lea’s home as she arrived in her vehicle. He tied her up, robbed her, wrapped her in a carpet, placed her in the car’s boot, and drove to Pretoria.
Upon the daughter’s inability to reach Lea, the car tracking service provider located the vehicle at a petrol station where Karelse was identified by attendants and subsequently apprehended. Lea’s body was discovered in the boot with cables around her neck and mouth covered with tape.
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