A security guard accused of murdering Pretoria dancer Estée van Rensburg appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, wearing shackles around his ankles.
State prosecutor Lucas Choma told the court the investigation against Aaron Mashishi (25) was almost complete. This included an identity parade, he said, adding that there were only a few matters outstanding in the investigation.
The director of public prosecutions was busy with the indictment against the accused.
Therefore, the state requested a remand in order for the indictment to be sent to the high court.
Mashishi will be kept in custody at the Lyttelton police station until his next court appearance on April 25. He was arrested on April 1 this year in connection with the murder.
The 19-year-old girl was killed with a single shot to the head on March 26. She was alone at home. Her body was found on her parents’ bed.
It is believed that her suspected attacker had worked for a security company appointed by the Van Rensburg family.
Police earlier reported that several items allegedly belonging to Van Rensburg, including her bank card, were found in Mashishi’s possession.
Choma said Thursday’s court appearance was for a possible bail application, but the defence indicated it would prefer a postponement.
Samuel Mogoaneng, for Mashishi, said the defence would rather apply for bail in the high court when the investigation was completed. — Sapa